Retreats Take Sister Judith to the. Philippines

In late September and early October of 2025, I had the privilege and blessing of being able to visit the Philippines. The Manila Priory of Missionary Benedictine Sisters invited me to lead a renewal program for a group of approximately 30 of their sisters at their retreat center in Tagaytay City. Each morning, I gave a teaching on a Benedictine value, and the afternoons were devoted to private reflection or group sharing. 

Despite their difficult history of foreign occupation, war, and poverty, the Filipino people are filled with faith and joy. Decades after the fall of the Marcos regime, their government is still plagued with corruption and oppression of the poor. While I was there, another huge congressional scandal was exposed, and the people took courageously to the streets.  

The cardinal-archbishop of Manila urged all people of faith to take part, and he led the Mass and rally in the capital while other large demonstrations occurred throughout the islands. For the entire month of October, all Catholic churches in the nation were to replace the intercessions at Mass with a special prayer asking God to protect the nation, forgive any personal cooperation with, or ignoring of, corruption and dishonesty, and give the nation leaders who would be shepherds of the flock rather than “wolves that devour.” 

Other highlights of my trip were addressing the 200+ staff members of their primary to university school in Manila, visiting other schools and ministries, feasting on whole roast pig at celebrations, seeing the world’s most perfect volcano in Legazpi City, and leading a renewal day for oblates of the several area Benedictine communities. Because this gathering was the same day (although 13 hours earlier) as the Mount’s Oblate Renewal Day, they recorded an exuberant greeting to be shared with their oblate brothers and sisters in Atchison. Truly, I have learned in so many ways the beauty of our Benedictine family united across the world.