Friday Examen: Finding God in the Quiet Moments

There is something sacred about pausing. Every Friday at exactly 11:50 in the morning, before sharing a meal together, the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation, Inc. gathers for a simple yet meaningful tradition. In the midst of meetings, deadlines, prison visits, program preparations, and the many responsibilities of serving others, everyone chooses to stop for a few moments. Together, we enter into the Friday Examen. It is a brief pause, but it reminds us of something essential. Before we continue our work, we first return to God. On July 17, 2026, our Formation Head, Fr. Bok Arandia, SJ, guided the community through a prayer of discernment. We looked back on the week with grateful hearts, recognizing God's presence in moments of joy, challenge, encounter, and service. As we reflected on the days that had passed, we also lifted our eyes toward tomorrow, trusting that every new day is another opportunity to begin again with hope. The Examen invited us to ask gentle questions. Where did I encounter God this week? Who reminded me of hope? Where was I called to love more generously? These moments of reflection continue to shape the way we serve, reminding us that ministry is not only about what we do but also about who we are becoming. A week later, on July 24, 2026, our Scholarship Program Assistant, Fresco Pequit, led the Friday Examen in a different yet equally meaningful way. He invited everyone into silence. In a world that constantly asks us to move faster, silence can feel unfamiliar. Yet in those quiet moments, we found space to breathe. We allowed ourselves to pause from the busyness of the week and simply be present before God. Within that silence, we remembered that rest is not the absence of mission. Rather, it renews our hearts so that we may continue serving with compassion, wisdom, and love. Our work with persons deprived of liberty, scholars, families, volunteers, and partners is deeply meaningful, but meaningful work also requires moments of prayerful reflection. The Friday Examen reminds us that every act of service begins with listening. When we listen to God, we become more attentive to the needs, dignity, and stories of the people entrusted to our care. As another Friday approaches, we once again look forward to gathering as one community. Another opportunity to reflect. Another opportunity to give thanks. Another opportunity to begin again. At PJPS, transformation does not only happen inside prison walls. It also happens within every heart willing to pause, pray, and respond to God's call with generosity. As we continue this mission of hope, we invite you to journey with us. Your prayers, generosity, and support help us accompany persons deprived of liberty, empower scholars, strengthen families, and build communities where dignity and hope can flourish. #PJPS #AMDG #FridayExamen #IgnatianSpirituality #Discernment