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Category: Talks and Homilies

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Beyond the Drama: A Reflection on the Fifth Week of Lent

Beyond the Drama: A Reflection on the Fifth Week of Lent

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(Based on recollection talks given by Rev. Fr. Pachomius Ma. San Juan, OSB) As we enter the Fifth Week of Lent and draw near to Holy Week, it’s tempting to view this sacred season only through its dramatic rituals and rich pageantry. The incense, the veiled crosses, the solemn hymns—they stir something deep within us. But Lent is not just a reenactment of sorrowful events or an emotional journey. At its heart, Lent is the quiet, persistent story of God…

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Fr. Pachomius Ma. San Juan giving a formation talk to Heartspace Davao, October 2024
The Significance of Christian Meditation: A Formation Talk

The Significance of Christian Meditation: A Formation Talk

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In Heartspace Davao’s recent monthly formation, Fr. Pachomius addressed the question: How can meditation, this non-thinking state, be significant in the life of a Christian? How can something so simple be prayer? To some, the practice might seem merely a way of relaxing, a means of polishing our ability to concentrate. But these are mere add-ons, says Father, accidental benefits. Meditation is, above all, about relationship. Ultimately, its goal is for us to experience God as provider, savior, friend, companion,…

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Fr. Pachomius presiding at Mass in Davao last October 6, 2024
A Eucharistic Celebration at Heartspace Davao’s Monthly Formation, October 6, 2024

A Eucharistic Celebration at Heartspace Davao’s Monthly Formation, October 6, 2024

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Last Sunday, Heartspace Davao held their monthly formation with Fr. Pachomius at Brothers of the Sacred Heart in Matina, Davao City. A highlight of the program was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The Gospel reading of the day was Mark 10:2-16, where the Pharisees tested Jesus on the lawfulness of divorce. In his homily, Fr. Paco addressed the topic of marriage and divorce put forth by the Pharisees. Divorce, he said, is an issue for everyone, regardless of personal…

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The Call to Live with Open Hearts (A Homily on Heartspace’s 16th Anniversary)

The Call to Live with Open Hearts (A Homily on Heartspace’s 16th Anniversary)

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Heartspace was founded in 2008 on the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and each year marks its founding anniversary on this feast of its titular Patron. Last June 7, at the 16th anniversary commemoration of Heartspace, founder Rev. Fr. Pachomius Ma. San Juan OSB delivered the following homily: What do you and I do when we meet someone who is unloveable, hurts us through an unforgivable act, or really is deserving of our judgment and condemnation? I wonder…

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Advent: God’s Story As Ours, and Advent Wakefulness

Advent: God’s Story As Ours, and Advent Wakefulness

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Last December 3, the Heartspace Manila community had its annual Advent Recollection, given by Rev. Fr. Pachomius Ma. San Juan, OSB. In his morning talk, Fr. Paco spoke on the gospel readings this Advent as being not just God’s story, but our story as well. All liturgical celebrations, he said, are an expression of love, and Advent is a time when God’s longing for us and ours for Him is manifest. In his afternoon talk, Fr. Pacho stressed the importance,…

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Fr. Pachomius homily
A Recollected Heart, and the Second Coming

A Recollected Heart, and the Second Coming

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Last December 12, 2021, our founder Rev. Fr. Pachomius Ma. San Juan OSB blessed Heartspace Manila with a full day of recollection for Advent. His first talk addressed distraction, not just as a challenge for meditators, but as an obstacle to living one’s fullest life. The antidote he proposed to distraction was a disposition of recollectedness, not merely as an Advent exercise but as our daily attitude of living. Christmas is, of course, our commemoration of the First Coming of…

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