Filipino Lay Facilitator Publishes Handbook on Leading Christ-Centered Retreats

A Filipino lay retreat facilitator with more than three decades of experience in spiritual formation has written a handbook to help priests, religious, catechists, campus ministers, and lay volunteers guide people toward a deeper encounter with Christ.

John B. Bejo, known as Coach John, authored Gaudium Magnum: The How and the Joy of Retreat and Recollection Giving, a practical guide for retreat ministry in Catholic schools and parishes in the Philippines and beyond.

Gaudium magnum, Latin for “great joy,” recalls the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds in Luke 2:10. Bejo said the title reflects the spiritual joy of helping people encounter God.

“This work is a guide and a tribute to those called by God to work in His vineyard of the ministry of encounter,” he said.

The book draws inspiration from the Gospel account of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), where the risen Jesus accompanies two disciples, explains the Scriptures, and reveals himself in the breaking of bread.

From this narrative, Bejo develops a six-phase framework for retreats: Human Condition, Gospel Message, Human Response-ability, The Eucharist, The Grace, and Homecoming. The framework guides facilitators in helping participants reflect on their lives, listen to God’s word, respond in faith, and bring the fruits of their encounter into daily life.

The handbook also identifies 14 marks of a fruitful retreat, from “Redemptive Disruption” to “The Apostolic Return.” It encourages facilitators to look beyond activities and consider whether participants have experienced a meaningful encounter with Christ.

Alongside its spiritual foundations, the book offers practical guidance on retreat preparation, seating arrangements, music, presentation slides, and questions that encourage reflection rather than passive listening.

Bejo also addresses issues that can arise in retreat ministry, including honorariums, institutional politics, mental health, and safeguarding participants. The discussions underscore the importance of preparing retreats that are spiritually enriching and safe.

The book concludes by reminding facilitators to nurture their own relationship with God as they accompany others. Its closing line summarizes Bejo’s understanding of the ministry: “We facilitate. He frees.”

Archbishop Victor B. Bendico of Capiz wrote the foreword. Edwardson G. Juta, director of the Center for Lasallian Ministry at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in Manila, describes the book as “a compelling reminder that retreat facilitation is a vocation; one that calls us to form hearts before we lead minds.”

Bejo studied philosophy at St. Pius X Seminary in Roxas City and theology at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. He has facilitated recollections for institutions including the University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. He also founded Dux Amare Retreats and Recollections, which provides formation and training for lay retreat facilitators.

The handbook is scheduled for release before Christmas 2026, alongside the second print edition of Bejo’s earlier book, Buko Juice for Warriors: 75 Words of Power, first published in 2022.

The launch precedes his recollection tour in Capiz, central Philippines, scheduled for November 27 to December 8. Details on obtaining the books will be announced on his Facebook page at facebook.com/JohnBejo.LifeCoach.

Through Gaudium Magnum, Bejo hopes to strengthen retreat ministry by reminding facilitators that its purpose is not simply to deliver a program but to help people encounter Christ and return to their communities renewed in faith.