Many thanks to Fr. Mike for inviting Msgr. Austin Doran to lead us in a Lenten Retreat in our church. We began with Mass, followed by 2 sessions of insightful, prayerful and thought provoking reflections by Msgr. Doran, We had one small group discussion and participants shared their thoughts on 3 discussion questions:
- Can you recall a Lenten season when you experienced God’s grace in a very powerful way?
- In your experience, what is the most joyful part of following Jesus?
- What do you find to be the most challenging part of following Jesus?
The retreat was embellished with uplifting and beautiful music by Vicki and Ralph and our special day culminated in Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. We were all treated to lunch and fellowship.
Retreat is recorded in 4 segments:
- https://www.vimeo.com/804650787
- https://www.vimeo.com/804658941
- https://www.vimeo.com/804662615
- https://www.vimeo.com/804670353
Msgr. Doran shared this beautiful poem by Joseph Mary Plunkett:
I see His Blood Upon the Rose
I see his blood upon the rose
And in the stars the glory of his eyes,
His body gleams amid eternal snows,
His tears fall from the skies.
I see his face in every flower,
The thunder and the singing of the birds
Are but his voice – and carven by his power
Rocks are his written words.
All pathways by his feet are worn,
His strong heart stirs the ever-beating sea,
His crown of thorns is twined with every thorn,
His cross is every tree.
