The University of Saint Louis (USL) held its Employees’ Recollection on October 4, 2024, at the University Chapel, with the theme “Mission (AD Gentes/ Ad Extra) for All: Toward a CICM Missionary University. The event, spearheaded by Rev. Fr. Adorable Castillejo, CICM, aimed to deepen the employees’ reflection on their roles within the institution, focusing on career and vocation.
Fr. Castillejo began the first session by discussing the distinction between career and vocation. He described career as a “vertical movement” rooted in competence, while vocation reflects one’s identity and a “horizontal movement” tied to a more profound calling. Following his talk, the employees engaged in group discussions, sharing personal reflections on how specific phrases, quotes, and ideas resonated with them. The activity emphasized the university’s role in evangelization and what employees have contributed over the years to the institution’s mission.
In the afternoon, the second session focused on the obstacles or “stumbling blocks” that hinder the university’s evangelizing mission and the “stepping stones” that could propel them forward. Employees also shared their big dreams and new ideas for making USL a truly missionary institution. They developed roadmaps outlining how these visions could be realized.
The third and final session provided an opportunity for feedback and synthesis. Fr. Castillejo highlighted the importance of mastering the art of self-control and persuasion when conveying the message of evangelization. The event concluded solemnly with a Holy Eucharist.
The annual employee recollection, organized by the Campus Ministry Office, reflects one of the university’s core values: Christian Living. Overall, the event was meaningful, underscoring the deep connection between the professional and spiritual lives of the teaching and non-teaching staff. The sessions illuminated the distinction between career and vocation, encouraging participants to embrace their deeper calling and contribute to the institution’s evangelizing mission.
#ChristianLiving #ExperienceUSL #USLPhilippines
