SILANG, CAVITE (March 28, 2026) —  Around 170 lay formators from various parishes of the Diocese of Imus gathered at the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) in this municipality for the first Lay Formation Recollection.

The event, spearheaded by the Diocesan Lay Formation Office, aimed to deepen the spirituality of lay leaders as they prepared for Holy Week, while also highlighting the importance of self-care in ministry and daily life.

The recollection was facilitated by Dr. Imelda Virginia G. Villar, a Filipino psychologist, educator, author and former president of the Psychological Association of the Philippines. She emphasized the need to understand stress and its effects on the body, mood, and behavior. 

Dr. Villar also shared practical ways to minimize burnout and encouraged participants to balance their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. “Take time to rest. Do not feel guilty if you are resting, because you need it for your mental health as well—for you to be able to help others properly. We cannot truly care for others if we do not first learn how to care for ourselves,” she reminded the group.

Following the session, a Eucharistic celebration was presided by Most Rev. Reynaldo G. Evangelista, D.D., bishop of Imus. After lunch, participants joined small listening circles to reflect on the lessons of self-care in the light of the Church’s call to synodality.

This first Lay Formation Recollection marks a significant step in nurturing both the spiritual and personal well-being of lay formators, ensuring they remain strong companions in the mission of the Church.