The Sisters’ Community of Seraphic Love Solothurn (Seraphisches Liebeswerk Solothurn SLS) and Lay Partners in collaboration with the Philippine Catholic Mission of Switzerland held the yearly Lenten Recollection last March 23, 2024.  We were graced with the presence of Msgr. Jan Thomas Limchua, Vatican Papal Chaplain and an Official of the Section for the Relations with States of the Holy See, the Vatican as our Recollection Facilitator.  He was assisted by Fr. Julipros Dollotallas, SVD, our very active Chaplain of the Philippine Catholic Mission Switzerland. We were also blessed with Fr. Gilbert Ombrosa, a Filipino Priest assigned to the Church of Saint Victor Martyr, Rho (Milan, Italy).  He assisted in giving confessions.  There were about 150 Participants, who came from all over Switzerland and the neighboring countries like France and Germany.  

 

"Coming home to a place, we call home", is the expression of every Filipino, who attends the yearly recollection in the SLS.  It is a spiritual response to the significance of one’s identity, being connected to oneself and one’s faith dimension as well as the essence of community, which is truly a Filipino value.  Its humble beginnings started with a small group in order to address the spiritual needs of the first Filipina nurses in Switzerland.  Now, with wide open arms, the SLS welcomes each year a big community of Filipinos (and to mention also the Swiss husbands) eagerly attending the Lenten Recollection.

 

We express our appreciation and gratitude to each and every one, especially to Msgr. Jan who gave us valuable insights and certainly inspired the hearts of many Recollection Participants in understanding one’s identity in relationship with God (a deepening of the reflection on the «Prodigal Son») and God’s manifold graces and mercy for God is always there with arms wide open to welcome all of us «home».  

 

Have a blessed EASTER!

 

Greetings from Solothurn,

 

Sr. Mary Ann Siacor

Vicar General SLS

Seraphisches Liebeswerk Solothurn