The Zonetta of Mindanao joyfully celebrated Vacation Mariapolis 2025 from May 1–3, 2025, at Isla Reta, Talikud Island, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte. Centered on the theme “Closeness: God, Neighbor, Nature,” the gathering became a deeply enriching experience of unity, reflection, and shared joy, set against the serene and breathtaking backdrop of Isla Reta.
This year, the Mindanao Zonetta introduced a fresh and heartfelt approach to deepening the theme, making it more personal and meaningful for everyone through Small Group Reflections and Sharing. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, each group—guided by dedicated facilitators— journeyed together through thoughtful reflection materials and simple but profound conversations. These moments allowed everyone to truly experience the closeness we long for: with God, with one another, and with the world around us.
The Vacation Mariapolis opened with an inspiring retelling of Chiara Lubich’s early life and the growth of the Focolare Movement and the Mariapolis. This moving narrative set a heartfelt tone for the entire event, opening hearts, deepening friendships, and reviving spirits.
Every moment—whether in quiet reflection or joyful celebration—was an opportunity to experience genuine closeness: to God, to one another, and to the natural world around us. We were reminded that such closeness is not just possible, but a daily commitment to love, unity, and the awareness of God’s abiding presence.
For three days, the island truly felt like home—a place filled with heartfelt stories, joyful laughter, tears of grace, shared prayers, and dreams rekindled. All of this unfolded through a well-crafted program with these memorable highlights:
- Daily Holy Mass (at Isla Reta’s Chapel): Times of offering, thanksgiving, and prayer for guidance and blessings.
- The Story of the Focolare and Mariapolis: A moving introduction to the life and legacy of Chiara Lubich
- Bonfire Night: A celebration of God’s love and our closeness to one another and nature, beautifully concluded with evening prayer led by the Gen Seminarians of Digos. One participant shared:
“One of the most touching highlights was Bonfire Night, where we gathered under the stars to celebrate God’s love. Letters of gratitude were written in silence and then offered to the fire—a simple yet powerful gesture of surrender, thanksgiving, and unity. The warm glow of the flames reflected the peace and closeness we all felt in that sacred moment.”
- Small Group Reflections & Sharing: Deep, heartfelt conversations centered on the theme of the year. Participants shared:
- “The sharing sessions allowed us to speak openly and listen with love. Many shared stories of faith, struggle, and hope, creating deep bonds of understanding.”
- “It was my first time to share openly with others and feel so accepted, no judgment, just pure love.”
- “An unforgettable experience that deepened my trust in God—truly inspiring.”
- “Group sharing allows us to pause and look deeply within, opening our hearts to others in a spirit of trust and sincerity. Through this simple yet meaningful exchange, we form genuine connections and nurture a sense of closeness with those around us. It is an experience that not only fosters understanding and unity but also offers a sense of freedom and healing as we share and listen with openness and respect. This activity is liberating.”
- “It felt like a sacred moment—through the guided reflections and sharing, we were really able to feel close to God and to each other in the group.”
- Nature-Guided Meditation: Peaceful moments to connect deeply with creation.
- Team-Building: Amazing Race Activities: Fun and exciting challenges that brought everyone together, building teamwork and stronger bonds as all ages worked side by side.
- Chill Night/Mariapolital: An evening bursting with life, featuring powerful performances from our talented Gen 4 and Gen 2 singers, music, dance, and joyful celebration. All generations came together for lively line dancing—everyone joined in, from the youngest to the lolos and lolas, even our priest and seminarians, who brought extra energy and smiles to the dance floor. A special highlight was the surprise serenade from the Gen for Micarla, as they shared their heartfelt farewell and gratitude, making the night truly unforgettable.
- Island Tour: A special highlight with Mr. Mario Reta, owner of Isla Reta Resort, personally guiding the group around the island.
- Leisure Time: Plenty of opportunities to swim and relax on Isla Reta’s pristine white sand beaches.
- Run/Walk for Unity: A powerful and symbolic Race for Peace and Unity, where participants— from children to adults—joined hand in hand along the shoreline, step by step, reaffirming their commitment to foster peace and unity, and to work together toward the shared vision of a more united and harmonious world.
This year’s Mariapolis was a reminder that unity and bonding grow in the small, everyday moments of life. “In addition to participating in the meaningful activities of the Mariapolis 2025 holiday, participants had the opportunity to explore the enchanting Talikud Island. The experience was not just a tour, but a personal encounter with the beauty of nature, an unforgettable gift from God.
Cruising around the island, we were greeted by soft white sand, calm shores and clear blue-green waters that sparkled under the sun. The natural rock formations looked as if they had been carefully shaped by the hands of God. During the day, the beach was full of colour and life, while in the evening we enjoyed a quiet swim and relaxing moments with a coffee by the sea.
One of the most beautiful moments was seeing different sea creatures up close, demonstrating the wonder and variety of life under the sea. Each moment reminded us how extraordinary God’s creation is. It made us reflect on the verse from Genesis 1:31: ‘God saw all that he had made and it was very good’.
The island of Talikud is more than just a tourist spot.It is a peaceful place where one can feel closer to God through the beauty of His creation.The trip reminded us to stop, breathe and simply give thanks”. (Reflection from a participant)
When we, 150 Mariapolites return to our communities, we feel renewed and inspired, bringing with us the light of our shared experiences. We are ready to continue the journey of ‘closeness: God, neighbour, nature’, to come closer to God, to strengthen our bond with nature.
