Life in the mission is not a garden of roses. In the process of our journey there are times when we find ourselves in need of some spiritual renewal. In my 25 years in religious life, there were times when I felt some dryness in my prayer, an inner longing to pause, listen deep within me, and integrate my being and doing.

My first desire was to go to Avila, Spain where the Carmelites offer a nine-month programme. But since we already had a sister sent there I thought of coming to my beloved country, the Philippines, for a sabbatical year. When I saw the East Asian Pastoral Institute’s (EAPI) programme, I thought: I will fit in here.

I looked forward to being out of structure and simply to relax and have more time to pray in my own schedule. I am grateful for being given this time to integrate my experiences in the last 25 years. My learning has been mostly inward. Dealing with 65 participants from 25 countries has been very enriching for me. Whether during meal times, or prayer or group sharing, it is the divine in me and the divine in them meeting each other.

Sr Milaluna Arranchado CM spent 12 years as a missionary in Africa

Africa is very different from Asia but I discovered that it is not about the differences but the commonalities. This was reinforced with inputs from modules on Mid-Life Experience, Stages of Healing, Spiritual Discernment, Ignatian Eight-Day Silent Retreat, Christian Spiritual Journey, Respecting Relationships, The Aesthetics of Self-Compassion, Mission and Inter-Religious Dialogue, Following Jesus to Galilee, Integrity in Sexuality and Ministry, among others.

EAPI’s sabbatical programme also gave stress to caring for the self. I used to consider self-care to be a little selfish. I had a different notion about it. But I realised the need to take care of myself so that I could be a more effective servant in God’s vineyard. I learned to integrate the spiritual with the physical aspect of my life.

I used to consider self-care to be a little selfish. I had a different notion about it. But I realised the need to take care of myself so that I could be a more effective servant in God’s vineyard.

Moreover, the different modules helped me to attain my goal for my sabbatical year. The eight-day retreat summarised well my integration process. It was a good way to wrap up my experiences as we prepared to be sent back to the vineyard of God to serve His people.

I do not know where my next assignment will be, but I am enriched and ready to go back to the mission – wherever in the world it will be.

This article is part of a series of reflections from participants of EAPI’s residential programmes, which run for four or six months.