The third
programme that Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre, facilitated in
Thailand this year was a Spiritual Retreat organized by the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Bangkok. Thirteen Sisters of the Sacred Heart attended. They were joined by three Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres.
The Retreat was held between
the 22nd 28th of February at the Hadharuthai Retreat
House at Hua Hin, owned and operated by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. It is
a beautiful facility on the ocean beach, providing a very conducing atmosphere
for prayer and reflection (and good sea- food!).
Keeping in
mind the Year of Consecrated Life, the theme of the Retreat was “Consecrated
Life: A Journey into the Desert.”
Topics
covered included: Retreat as a Desert Journey; Call to Renewal of Love and
Devotion; Consecrated Life; Community: Journeying Together; Forgiveness,
Reconciliation & Healing, and Jesus of Nazareth – Sacrament of the Father.
The Day of
Forgiveness and Reconciliation concluded with a Healing Service.
Each day
began with the Eucharist during which the theme of the day was introduced. This
theme was further elaborated during the talk in the morning.
Participants
spent the rest of the day in personal prayer around the word of God.
Participants were given specific passages from Sacred Scripture in keeping with
the theme of the day to reflect on and pray with.
At the end
of the day participants had opportunity to bring all their experiences before
Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament during an hour of prayer together.
Many of the
participants found the Retreat very useful and meaningful. For many of them
this was a different kind of retreat than the ones they were used to.
What they
appreciated most was the time to be alone with God in quiet meditation on the
Word of God and personal prayer.
Some said
this was the best retreat they had ever made.
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