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ONE STEP CLOSER
Discernment Series Yields a Record Number of
New RC Associated Membersby Bingo Soriano
Last August to September 2020, a total of 74 men, women and youth completed the Discernment Series (or DS) of Regnum Christi Manila. In the two decades of RC in the Philippines, this has been one of the highest number of DS participants. It was also the first time that RC formally introduced the DS as per recommendation of the RC Territory in North America.
“There seems to be a new momentum energized by the Holy Spirit as we have witnessed through this record number of participants,” says Fr. André LaSana, LC, RC Manila’s Director.
DS is comprised of four sessions that provide knowledge which are designed to enable candidates to prayerfully discern if they have a call from God to join the RC spiritual family.
The four sessions are called:
“A Gift for the Church” which explains RC’s history and the specific Charism of RC within the Catholic Church.
“The Spirituality, Communion & Mission of Regnum Christi” which outlines what RC seeks to achieve and how this is achieved thru its spirituality. This session also covers what motivates RC members as each of its members pursue God’s mission for the community.
“The Promises to Christ in Regnum Christi & The Five Elements to Life in Regnum Christi” which covers the various commitments made by each RC member specifically thru the five elements of life in RC.
“The Encounter with Christ” or EWC which is a practical session that enables candidates to experience an actual EWC meeting which is the fifth element of RC’s way of life.
“Going through the discernment series helped me a lot in making a decision to join RC,” says Ricky Peña, one of the new Associated members in the Men’s Section. “For many years, I have always been searching for the right place to help me grow in my relationship with God. After several months of participating in weekly EWC meetings led by Fr. André, the series provided a very clear framework in helping me realize that I have found the right spiritual family,” continued Ricky.
"The [discernment] series provided a very clear framework in helping me realize that I have found the right spiritual family,”
- Ricky Peña
“My husband and I attended the Discernment Series together,” says Malou Ordoña, wife of Raymond. “For me the series was a true eye-opener into the history and way of life of RC,” she says. “I was particularly impressed by the humility of RC by acknowledging its own stains in its history brought about by the misdeeds of its very founder that were discovered in 2009. But through God’s grace, and the help of the leadership of the Catholic Church through no less than Pope Benedict XVI, the community was able to go through a rediscovery and purification process.”
“My parents have been members of RC for some time now and their example has inspired me to investigate its way of life,” says Patricia Cuenca, a member of the Youth Section and daughter of Anton & Mia Gonzalez. “After attending the Discernment Series, I have gained a better understanding on why my parents have found life in this community,” continued Patricia. “As I grow in my own spirituality, I can now see the RC will provide a helpful and supportive environment for me to develop a stronger relationship with God,” says Patricia.
"After attending the Discernment Series, I have gained a better understanding on why my parents have found life in this community."
- Patricia CuencaAfter attending the DS, participants are subsequently guided by their sponsors to decide on whether or not to proceed as Associated Members of RC. “With respect to the 12 men who attended the DS, I was delighted to see that all but one of these men decided to become Associated Members,” says Fr. André. “I consider this somewhat of a miracle, especially since all these happened in the middle of a pandemic.”Regnum Christi warmly welcomes all those who have completed the Discernment Series and have also decided to become Associated Members. The whole community will be united in prayer as everyone begins this new spiritual journey that God has called all of us to.
Thy Kingdom Come!
About the AuthorBingo Soriano is a new Associated Member of Regnum Christi. He also serves as a co-leader of the Team led by Anton Gonzales in the Men’s Section.
