In the sacred stillness of the Lenten season, when hearts are called to repentance and renewal, a meaningful recollection last March 15, 2026 was held under the theme “Baptized and Sent.” More than a spiritual gathering, it became a profound encounter with the very identity of every Christian: to be called, converted, and commissioned. Guided by the insightful reflections of Rev. Fr. Augusto ‘Agot’ Omnes Abril, participants were led through a three-part journey that moved from personal awakening to missionary commitment. With the central message “From Maintenance to Mission,” the recollection challenged everyone to move beyond routine faith into a dynamic, living witness.
Part 1: Called Before Sent The recollection began with a powerful reminder: mission starts not with action, but with calling. Before one is sent, one must first recognize that they are chosen. Fr. Abril emphasized that God’s call is not earned but freely given. Echoing the words of Christ, “You did not choose me,” participants were invited to reflect on their own vocation—not just in terms of profession or role, but as baptized individuals called into a relationship with God. This first movement centered on identity. Who am I in the eyes of God? The realization that each person is personally called laid the foundation for everything that follows. Without this awareness, mission becomes empty activity. With it, mission becomes a response of love.
Part 2: Converted to be Missionary From calling, the journey moved toward conversion—an essential step before any authentic mission can take place. Fr. Abril stressed that “conversion before mission” is not optional. One cannot give what one does not have. True missionary work flows from a heart that has been transformed—renewed in mind, purified in intention, and deepened in faith. Participants were invited into moments of silence and reflection, confronting areas in their lives that needed change. Conversion was presented not as a one-time event, but as a continuous process—an ongoing turning back to God. Here, the message became clear: mission is not about perfection, but about willingness to be changed. A converted heart naturally desires to share God’s love with others.
Part 3: Sent on Mission The final part brought the recollection to its climax: being sent forth. With the declaration “Mission begins with calling!” Fr. Abril connected the entire journey—what begins as a personal encounter with God must lead to a decision to act. The Gospel mandate resounded: “Go and make disciples.” Participants were challenged to move from reflection to decision. Faith cannot remain in the realm of thought or feeling; it must be lived out in concrete ways—in families, workplaces, and communities. The shift from maintenance to mission became the central call. No longer content with simply preserving religious practices, participants were urged to become active bearers of the Gospel—witnesses of hope, compassion, and service. A Renewed Sense of Purpose As the recollection concluded, what lingered was not just inspiration, but a renewed sense of purpose. To be “Baptized and Sent” is to embrace a lifelong mission—rooted in calling, sustained by conversion, and expressed in action.
In this Lenten season, the message resonates deeply: the cross is not the end, but the beginning of mission. And every baptized person is sent—not someday, but now.
