Caleruega Philippines, the famous Dominican retreat center in Nasugbu, Batangas, where many weddings have been held, will hold its annual Holy Week Retreat for Married Couples April 7-9.
Retreat speakers are Fr. Deng de la Cruz, OP; Fr. Allen de Guzman OP; Jun and Marion Cruz of Ligaya ng Panginoon Community; Angelo and Bernadette de la Cruz; and Raul Roque.
Father de Guzman lists down the reasons why couples should join the retreat:
The chance to stay in beautiful Caleruega. “Caleruega is a popular venue for weddings. It is a good time to remember your wedding day and renew your wedding vows.”
The chance to renew one’s relationship with the Lord. “It can help you prepare to have a meaningful and blessed Holy Week with your loved ones.”
“It’s a good gift to give each other, to travel and bond as husband and wife.”
Retreat fee per couple is P9,000.
Spiritual renewal
“The retreat aims to help married couples renew their relationship with each other and with the Lord, and reflect on how Holy Week can heal and inspire the love they shared since their wedding day,” said Fr. Allen de Guzman.
He assured those who would join the retreat of the utmost privacy.
“We can assure you that there will be no obligatory group sharing of personal stories,” he said.
“The retreat offers a team of veteran retreat resource speakers in retreats and conferences,” the Dominican friar added. “Having our sought-after speakers in one retreat is a blessing, and we hope to share this Caleruega retreat experience with you.”
But why on Palm Sunday weekend? Fr. Allen said this would allow retreatants to to join their families and loved ones later in observing Holy Week.
Effective
Married couples who had joined the retreat in the past swore to its efficacy.
“We are now somewhat equipped to handle the different situations of married life,” a couple said.
“It surpassed my expectations,” said one spouse. “I came to realize how important love is in our relationship. It renewed our view on how to live a married life.”
“The retreat surpassed my expectations,” another couple said. “The registration fee seemed too small for what was given us during the retreat. The topics were great eye-openers for us couples.”
“I was able to know more my weaknesses, the hindrances to our intimacy,” a husband said.
“It helped us in a big way by giving us the tools to understand where each of us is coming from,” another couple said. “All topics are very helpful. I really pray that this kind of retreat reach more married couples.”
Call 0921-8304226, 0921-2709890; e-mail [email protected].
