COMPASSIONATE PRESENCE

Sa Feast, lagi nating sinasabi: “You don’t have to go through your struggles alone.” Now more than ever, I believe this to be true. And I want to be one of those people who makes sure that no one feels alone.

Last week, I attended the Feast Pastoral Care Advocates Seminar — and little did I know, it would stir something deep inside my heart. I came curious, but I left inspired. Hindi ko inakala na mahuhulog ang loob ko sa ganitong gawain. Right there and then, I knew — I wanted to be part of this mission.

Hindi ito basta-basta training. It wasn’t just about skills or tools — it was about the heart. A heart that listens. A heart that stays. A heart that reflects the love of Jesus, especially to those who are broken, tired, and silently crying for help.

As I listened to the speakers share their experiences, I realized how powerful companionate presence is. Sometimes, we think we need to say the perfect words. But through this training, I was reminded that simply being there — with empathy, humility, and compassion — can already be healing. Minsan, sapat na ang makinig.

I also learned that Pastoral Care is not just for the experts or the highly trained. It is a ministry of availability and sincerity. It’s about showing up. It’s about being the hands and feet of Jesus to someone going through a storm.

To my brothers and sisters — if you feel that gentle tug in your heart, maybe God is speaking to you. The harvest is great. The hurting are many. Let us be available. Let us be vessels. Let us be advocates of Christ’s love.

“𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵.” – 𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘴 6:2