The ALFI Journey: A Heartfelt Mission

By: Romel Diacamos
Redemptorist Lay Vocation Promoter – Iligan

A journey of faith, renewal, and deep commitment—this is what the Alphonsian Lay Formation Institute (ALFI) Initial Course embodied for its participants. Held at Scala Retreat House in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, from December 1 to 9, 2024, this gathering brought together Redemptorist Lay partners in mission from different units across various ministries: Youth, Vocation, Media, RIMT, Church, and Parish Mission. Most of them were young and eager missionaries embarking on a transformative experience that would strengthen their resolve to serve.

Laying the Foundation

The formation began with an insightful orientation by Ms. Portia Sylvia Awayan, who walked us through the origins, methodology, elements, and significance of ALFI in the life of lay missionaries. Established in 1994, ALFI has since been a vital program aimed at shaping strong, committed lay missionaries. It promotes a seamless integration of Christian faith with communal and social responsibilities, ensuring that our mission is not just spiritual but also deeply grounded in service to the poor and abandoned.

The ALFI methodology—ACTION-REFLECTION-ACTION—served as a guiding principle throughout the course. It reminded us that formation is not just about learning but about living out our mission in concrete ways. We are called to act, reflect on our experiences, and then return to mission with renewed zeal.

Self-Discovery and Transformation

A crucial part of our journey was the session on Self-Awareness and Personality Development led by Ms. Sharon Delacruz. This session served as a mirror, allowing us to see ourselves more clearly—our emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns. As lay missionaries, we are often so focused on serving others that we forget to look inward. But true mission begins with self-understanding. How can we guide others if we ourselves are lost? This realization struck a chord with many of us, emphasizing that self-awareness is not selfishness but a necessity in building authentic relationships and effective mission work.

Christ at the Center

Rev. Dario Tupas, CSsR, took us deeper into the heart of our faith through a session on Christology. It was an invitation to know Christ not just as a distant figure but as someone who intimately walks with us in our woundedness and brokenness. He reminded us that we are not called because we are qualified; rather, we are qualified because we are called. This was a humbling yet empowering realization. Often, we doubt our worthiness, thinking we are not good enough to serve. Yet, Christ’s call is not about perfection but about openness and trust.

Embracing the Redemptorist Spirit

Another essential part of our journey was understanding the very soul of our mission—the Redemptorist charism and Alphonsian spirituality. Fr. Hil Idulsa, CSsR, led us through this reflection, highlighting how our identity as lay missionaries is deeply rooted in the legacy of St. Alphonsus Liguori. His life and teachings challenge us to be tireless in our mission, to bring the Good News to the most abandoned, and to always find joy in serving. This session was a beautiful reminder that we are not just volunteers but missionaries—called to embody the love and compassion of the Redeemer.

A Journey Worth Cherishing

Looking back, the ALFI experience was more than just a formation—it was a journey of the heart. It was a space where we were challenged, inspired, and renewed. Each session, each reflection, and each encounter shaped us into better missionaries, ready to respond with love and commitment.

As we move forward, we carry with us the lessons learned and the fire ignited within. The journey does not end here. With every step we take in our mission, we continue the ALFI journey—acting, reflecting, and acting again, always with Christ at the center of it all.