Alfelor Clan Welcomes the Coming Year with a Family Retreat

Instead of lavishly spending the holidays, the Alfelor clan chose to end and start their new year with a spiritual activity. Dubbed as FOAS or the FOAS or Felix Ordas Alfelor Senior (FOAS), the family retreat was held at the Caritas Christi, Concepcion Grande, Naga City on December 29, 2009.

The Alfelor's religiosity is one of the great values that Dr. Remedios Rigoroso-Alfelor, taught her children. Her piousness continues to serve as an inspiration, not just to her immediate family, but also to the members of her community.  Wawa, as she is fondly called by her dear family and friends, has unselfishly shared her faith and Godly devotion to many, particularly to the present and upcoming Alfelor generation.

The family retreat was attended by forty-seven (47) members of the Alfelor family; six (6) from the 2^nd generation, twenty-eight (28) from the 3^rd generation, and thirteen (I3) from the 4^th generation.  The occasion allowed each family member to temporarily remove themselves from their usual environment and find time for solitude by immersing themselves in spiritual endeavors.

Rev.Fr. Glen Paul M. Gomez, Retreat Master and Mass Presider, emphasized the importance of prayers.  "When we pray, we communicate with God, and when we turn that prayer into action, we are not only serving God but we also return the blessings that we have received from Him."

The day was indeed filled with sharing and giving.  In the afternoon, Rev. Fr. Gomez explained the true essence of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.  The discussion was followed by a penitential rite, Reconciliation and finally ending the significant activity with a thanksgiving mass.

UNEP Vice President for Finance, Ms Del Alfelor-Tibi thanked every member of the family for attending the said gathering.  "This retreat has brought us all together in a common goal of strengthening our spiritual bond. This opportunity also allowed us to have time to reflect, pray and meditate. It gives us a realization that we should never under estimate the power of prayers in every undertaking that we wish to make."

Also in attendance was UNEP President Atty. Remelisa Alfelor-Moraleda.  "This gathering also gives each and every member of the family a chance to focus on our directions and contemplate on our actions." This, I believe, will strengthen our bond, not just as a family, but also as responsible members of the community."