Retreat in Daily Life with Pauline Cooperators Friends of Jesus Good Shepherd

Provincia Filippine - Australia - Saipan - Taiwan

Inserita il: 07/06/2018

5 commentario(i) ...

“I am the Vine you are the branches” (Jn 15:5)

After Easter celebration, here in the parish of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Payneham Adelaide, we offered our Pauline Cooperators, Friends of Jesus Good Shepherd, the Retreat in Daily Life that runs from three to four weeks. Being the anniversary of the centenary of the Pauline Association, the invitation was sent to all official members of the Association and those who replied committed themselves to the requirements of the Retreat. A gathering together at the beginning and at the end of the Retreat, 30 to 60 minutes prayer reflection daily, the use of scripture passages, keeping a note book or a diary, and the opportunity to have a personal encounter twice a week with the prayer companion for 30 to 45 minutes. Six Pauline Cooperators expressed interest and on Good Shepherd Sunday afternoon, we began our journey together.

The biblical texts and resources were available in English and in Italian. The three weeks were divided into the theme dear to Fr Alberione, the first on the glory to the Father, the second week to the glory of the Son and the third to the glory of the Holy Spirit. Use of our Pauline Prayer booklet was also encouraged especially The Act of Adoration and the Chaplets to the Divine Master and the Good Shepherd.

Here are some of the responses of the participants at our Closing Gathering:

I appreciated so much the opportunity of participating in the Retreat. It has been a source of renewal in my commitment as a Catholic person. I am aware of the desire to continue putting into practice some insights that have been given to me through the reflection of the biblical passages and the encounter with the prayer companion- for example I am invited to live a more balanced life- prayer, work, relationships and reaching out to others.
The daily prayer using the biblical passages and the Lectio Divina method, while helping me to know the Lord better and feeling closer to him, I am aware of a greater desire to know and understand Scripture better.
I have learnt how to deal better with distractions, with feelings of anger, annoyance or resentment. I must own the feelings and name them. It is what I do with them that I am called to take responsibility for, and at times the only response is to entrust them to the Lord. I need to accept my unanswered questions- surrender them to the Lord in faith and hope.
I have found the Retreat in Daily Life a true grace in the light of the difficulties I am presently going through. The times of daily prayer using biblical passages, the review and being attentive to what was emerging during the prayer; being able to bring all of this, life experiences and prayer insights to the encounter with the prayer companion, is a real gift that has helped me to travel through this difficult time with a deep sense that I am not alone; the Lord is journeying with me and is my constant strength and light.
I appreciate so much familiarising myself with the Pauline prayers especially the Act of Adoration and the prayer to Mary, To spend the day well. I find that I am praying them every day and have learnt them by heart, becoming very dear to me.

For all who participated, directees and prayer companion, the Retreat in Daily Life evoked a deep sense of gratitude and praise, experiencing indeed that the Lord is the true Vine and we are the branches and united with him, commissioned to go and bear fruits of life and love in our daily life.

Sr Rita Ruzzene, SJBP

Leggi i commenti

Sr Mary

13/06/2018 | 08:29

Well done, Rita. Keep up the good work of sharing the Good News and accompanying people in their encounter with Jesus Good Shepherd.

Sr. Candida De Angelis

08/06/2018 | 02:25

Congratulation to all of you who have done daily Retreat. Also to the Spiritual Directors. May Jesus Good Shepherd continuing to deepen his love in you and all the other Co-operators.

Sr. Maria Lourdes Lara

08/06/2018 | 01:31

Carissime Sorelle Anna e Rita Ciao come stai? Tanti auguri di ogni bene Che piacere... quante nostalgie!!! Che Dio vi benedica. abbraccio Sr. Lourdes

Marcelo, from Argentina.

07/06/2018 | 19:58

What a lovely experience have shared in this retreat! May the Good Shepherd continues strengthening each one of you Cooperators as real branches united to him and with the maternal warmest guidance of Pastorelle Sisters. Warmerst regards, Marcelo.-

Brenda Balingasa

07/06/2018 | 16:39

Well done everybody! Congratulations to all and all the very best. Well done Rita!