We were then led into a time of simple yet profound sharing, followed by forty-five minutes of personal prayer and reflection. We asked ourselves: What can I offer before the Lord? What in the life of St. Jeanne de Lestonnac moved me, touched me, awakened something in me? With our journals as companions, we poured our reflections onto the page, each heart speaking its own language to God.
When we came together once more, we shared what had emerged. It was striking: though we meditated on the same life, the same saint, the same God, each of us had been moved in a unique and personal way. Yet beneath this diversity, there was unity. As we listened deeply to one another, we realized we were being drawn from many directions toward a single horizon—a deeper encounter with Christ, inspired by the courage, faith, and love of St. Jeanne.
Then came the third round: communion. Having listened, reflected, and been moved, we found ourselves gathered not only in conversation, but in spiritual communion. This sacred dialogue—this spiritual conversation—deepened the bonds among us. It was no longer simply a sharing of thoughts or even feelings, but a sharing of lives. In this sacred space, we arrived at a shared motto, one that reflects our common identity:
Sr. Ranette then introduced us to the Article II of the Constitutions of the Company of Mary. With clarity and passion, she illuminated the Aim and End of the Order: a life lived at the heart of the Church, at the service of Faith, expressed through works of Justice. It felt as though the spirit of St. Jeanne was extending a hand, inviting us to step more fully into the mission—to be educators in faith, to form hearts and minds, and to transform society through love.
Together, we walked our own Emmaus journey, not alone, but side by side—sharing not only words, but our very being. In this communion, the life of St. Jeanne became not just a story we admired, but a path we now choose to follow.
We also reflected on how this experience affirmed our identity as part of the Lestonnac Laity Network—a family rooted in the spiritual heritage of St. Jeanne and the Company of Mary. As lay people, we recognized anew our vocation: to be active collaborators in the Church’s mission, to embody Gospel values in the ordinariness of life, and to evangelize not only by word, but by witness.
Each story shared was a testimony of grace:
Ariel Asparin’s prayerful family life became a quiet witness to God’s abiding love.
John Argie Escalante shared his dream to serve by educating and evangelizing the young—not only among Catholics, but even those beyond the faith, who thirst for God's love.
Fr. Herminio Hongayo’s loving yet challenging experiences rekindled his fire to serve with humility.
Shaddrach Daba’s journey through life’s struggles taught him that when Christ walks with us, no burden is too heavy.
Winston Gallinero’s awakening to charity and mercy drew him closer to the sacred dignity of each person.
Jan Joseph Rivera, like Martha, rediscovered the balance between service and prayer—returning to the feet of the Lord with a renewed heart.
With deep gratitude and renewed purpose, we embrace the path set before us.
19 July 2025 Encounter
Lestonnac Youth Center
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