by Sis. Jenny Laquindanum

     An amazing thing happened at FDM-Pasig's Catholic Life in the Spirit (CLSE) seminar last August 8-9: the 41 candidates had the baptism of the spirit twice. During the session led by Bro. Tony delos Reyes on Day 2 at Sta. Clara de Montefalco Parish, the candidates fell one after the other, overcame by the power of the Spirit. The Spirit was so strong that some slumped to the ground even without Bro. Tony touching them.

     The second time, they dropped while singing praise songs, with workers and members of FDM-Pasig circled around them.

     Never has such a phenomenon happened in the chapter's seminars. The recent seminar was the chapter's 21st.

     The seminar was Spirit-filled the whole time. At Day 1 held at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, the candidates listened attentively to the speakers: Bro. Lito Dawa on "Introduction" and "Praise and Worship"; Sis. Belle Fabian, "God's Love"; Bro. Rene Tumang, "Salvation"; and Sis. Suzette Abano, who shared a heart-warming story of how the Lord moved in her life.

     Day 2 was a day of laughter and of tears. Preparations the workers made for the seminar including prayer vigils at Hesychia, praying of the chaplet and the rosary during the seminar itself had led to the overwhelming presence of the Spirit that day.

     Miracles happened as parents and their children, brothers and sisters, and couples showed their gratitude and love for one another during the "miracle-making" part of the activity.

     Speakers for this day were Bro. Bot Balbero (Growth and Transformation) and Sis. Dina Balicanot (FDM profile). Fr. Danny Flores of Sta. Clara Montefalco Parish presided over the Holy Mass.

     Sis. Dina introduced the Divine Mercy devotion and the Divine Mercy on the Block. She also led the commissioning of the seminar graduates. Sis. Hazel Fortunado and Bro. Jhay Gernale were the moderator and joyful song leader on Day 1, and this author and Sis. Che Buen on Day 2.