Loyola Retreat House - Spirituality and Art Center - Angono

25/05/2026

SUNDAY MASS AT LRH I 24 May 2026 | Solemnity of Pentecost

The Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Rene Pio Javellana, SJ, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Peter Ymari Balatbat, Rector and Parish Priest of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Jerome, and Executive Director of the Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church of the Diocese of Antipolo.

The celebration was attended by church workers, volunteers, and cultural heritage advocates from the Diocese of Antipolo, culminating the two-day Seminar-Workshop on Church Collections Management — a flagship project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the National Committee on Art Galleries (NCAG) in partnership with the Municipality of Angono, the Diocese of Antipolo, and Loyola Retreat House, Inc., held in line with the month-long celebration of National Heritage Month 2026.

In his homily on Pentecost Sunday, Fr. Javellana reminded the faithful that the true heritage or patrimony of the Church is not merely found in church buildings, sacred vessels, artworks, or historical collections, but in the living presence of Christ proclaimed through the Word of God and lived out in love.

The Holy Spirit transformed the apostles from fearful followers into courageous witnesses of Christ’s Resurrection — a mission that continues today through the Church and its heritage workers.

As emphasized in his reflection, sacred art, architecture, music, vestments, and devotional objects are not ends in themselves, but vessels that protect and communicate the deeper treasure of the Church: faith, worship, and communion in Christ.

Quoting John 13:35:“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and animate all church workers, volunteers, and cultural heritage advocates in preserving not only the treasures of the Church, but more importantly, the spirit of love, unity, and service they represent.

🔥 “The liturgy is the source and summit of Church life.” — Sacrosanctum Concilium

🖼️ Totong Francisco
PENTECOST
2024
Acrylic on canvas
48 x 36 inches
LRH-PAG collection

20/05/2026

SUNDAY MASS AT LRH | 17 May 2026 I Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Presider: Rev. Fr. Richard Sumera, SJ, Executive Director of Vocation Promotion of the Society of Jesus in the Philippines and Director of the Arvisu House Jesuit Candidacy Program.

The reflection on the Ascension of the Lord centered on the Ascension not as a moment of departure, but as a moment of trust, mission, and the spreading of faith through the Holy Spirit. Christ did not abandon His disciples; rather, He entrusted His mission to ordinary people called to continue His work in the world.

A moving story shared during the homily was that of Fr. Jereme Asunto, SJ, who traveled to a remote community in Bukidnon to celebrate the funeral Mass of Tatay Faustino. The family had reached out through Facebook Messenger, hoping that despite the difficult journey, a priest would respond to their plea. The story became a powerful reminder that faith continues to thrive quietly in isolated communities where people deeply value the Sacraments despite limited access to them.

In contrast, many today have easy access to churches and the Eucharist, yet often become spiritually indifferent or take their faith for granted. The faithful were challenged to rediscover gratitude and longing for the Eucharist — recognizing it not merely as a routine obligation, but as nourishment that rekindles faith and deepens one’s relationship with God.

Reflecting on the Gospel, the Ascension was described as “not an ending, but a sending.” Through the Holy Spirit, Christ’s presence is no longer confined to one place, but continues to move through people who embody His compassion, mercy, and love. The “fire” of Christ’s ministry, once centered in Him, is now carried and spread through countless believers called to bring the Gospel into the world.

The homily also emphasized the importance of constantly invoking the Holy Spirit in daily life — especially in moments of difficulty, fear, confusion, and exhaustion — trusting that God continues to guide and strengthen His people.

The missionary spirit remains alive in the Church today, as seen in the example of a young Jesuit candidate who had already spent years serving Muslim and Indigenous communities before formally entering the novitiate. His example illustrated how authentic faith expands the heart and leads people outward in service, encounter, and generosity toward those at the margins.

In the end, the faithful were reminded that every baptized Christian is entrusted with Christ’s mission — whether in family life, workplaces, schools, or communities. The invitation of the Ascension is to reflect on where the Holy Spirit is sending each person, and how one can bring warmth, compassion, hope, and kindness to others through daily life.

13/05/2026

Lord of Peace and Justice,
in this time of turmoil and division in our nation,
we turn to You with hope and trust.
When anger, hatred, and deception threaten to divide us,
teach us to seek truth with humility and to speak with charity.
Grant wisdom, honesty, and compassion to our leaders,
that they may serve not for power or personal gain,
but for the good of the Filipino people.

Strengthen us also as citizens,
that we may resist hatred, fanaticism, and indifference,
and instead become instruments of understanding and unity.
Heal wounded hearts, calm fearful minds,
and protect our country from violence, corruption, and despair.
May true peace reign in the Philippines,
a peace rooted not in fear or silence,
but in justice, mercy, and love for one another.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

12/05/2026

11/05/2026

11/05/2026

Spirituality and cultural heritage are deeply interconnected because both seek to preserve meaning, identity, memory, and the human search for transcendence. Cultural heritage carries the wisdom, symbols, rituals, stories, and values of a people, while spirituality gives inner depth and sacred significance to these expressions.

10/05/2026

“The heavens declare the glory of God.”
— Psalm 19:1

Master photographer Noli Gabilo took this photo of the KAAGAPAY monument (created by Kublai Millan) located at Loyola Retreat House in Angono during the launch of National Heritage Month (10 May 2026). See the MILKY WAY over it…reminding us how the cosmos itself becomes a kind of visual hymn or sacred icon revealing GOD’s presence!

10/05/2026

LOYOLA VISTA de ANGONO - Loyola Retreat House- Spirituality and Art Center Angono (LRH-SACA).

We thank Master Photographer Noli Gabilo for these stunning photos taken during the launch of the National Heritage Month, 10 May 2026.

10/05/2026

Spirituality and cultural heritage are deeply interconnected because both seek to preserve meaning, identity, memory, and the human search for transcendence. Cultural heritage carries the wisdom, symbols, rituals, stories, and values of a people, while spirituality gives inner depth and sacred significance to these expressions.

10/05/2026

“Spirituality and cultural heritage are deeply interconnected because both seek to preserve meaning, identity, memory, and the human search for transcendence. Cultural heritage carries the wisdom, symbols, rituals, stories, and values of a people, while spirituality gives inner depth and sacred significance to these expressions.”