A DOMINICAN preacher urged young people never to turn their backs on their families at the start of the “neocentennial” Dominican Youth Retreat earlier today at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
“Vocation is family-rooted and family-oriented. That is why vocation is as permanent and everlasting as the family. Vocation as [part] of the family is as enduring as the will of God,” Fr. Enrico Gonzales O.P., former dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, told over 600 delegates from Dominican-run schools.
Families might have imperfections and struggles, but this is because love has no perfection, he said. Even Jesus Christ did not have a “perfect family,” the priest said.
“Family embodies the imperfection of this world … Family is always struggling. It is more biblical, realistic and historical,” he added.
UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. celebrated the opening Mass of the Dominican retreat.
The second day of the retreat will be held on Jan. 22 from 7 am to 2 pm at the same venue.
