By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
Offering an oasis of prayer and reflection during a busy season, the 2025 diocesan Adult Faith Advent retreat focused on Christian joy.
Led by the Verbum Dei Missionaries – Sr. Sol Abala, Sr. Marta Piano, and Sr. Malou Tibayan – and organized by diocesan Adult Faith coordinator Astrid Alas, the retreat Dec. 6 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family took its inspiration from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians 4:4, which urges: “Rejoice in the Lord always.”
“St. Paul invites us to replace our worries and rejoice in the unfailing love of Jesus for us, which transcends our understanding. This retreat allowed participants to reflect on the countless blessings received, and remember that this season is an opportunity to rejoice in the coming of our Saviour,” said Alas.
Sr. Malou Tibayan, Sr. Marta Piano, and Sr. Mirasol (Sol) Abala (l-r) of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity led the 2025 Advent Retreat along with Adult Faith Formation coordinator Astrid Alas. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
In sessions that explored scripture, the promises of God and the salvation given by the long-promised Saviour, participants were encouraged to reflect on the grounds of their Christian joy and how to find joy even in moments of challenge and difficulty.
In addition to presentations led by Abala and Tibayan, the retreat provided time to slow down for prayer, pondering, and reflection. During the praying of the rosary led by Piano, Jackie Saretsky and Colin Strauss shared reflections on the theme of “Rejoice.”
“We were reminded that our joy comes from Christ our Lord alone. He is the true source of peace and light, the One who illumines our hearts even in times of darkness. Because Christ is near, fear loses its hold and hope takes root,” said Alas.
“Christian joy is an attitude of the heart, born from the certainty that God is faithful and that Christ is coming to dwell among us. This joy does not depend on circumstances; but on acknowledging the words of St. John ‘the Word was made flesh’ and has come for all mankind as the ultimate act of love.”
Adult Faith Coordinator Astrid Alas (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Sr. Sol Abala of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity led the first session of the Advent retreat. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
A moment of prayer opens the retreat. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
(Photo by Astrid Alas)
(Photo by Astrid Alas)
(Photo by Astrid Alas)
Sr. Marta Piano led the rosary durung the Advent Retreat. (Photo by Astrid Alas)
Time for prayer in the Queen of Peace Chapel during the Dec. 6 retreat at the Cathedral of the Holy Family. (Photo by Astrid Alas)
(Photo by Astrid Alas)
(Photo by Astrid Alas)
A participant and volunteer of Adult Faith Formation made little nativity eggs for each of the participants. (Photo by Astrid Alas)
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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca.
Adult Faith Formation, Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.