27 March 2026 · 2026-03 newsletter
The Lenten Reflection Day, held at Mount Schoenstatt on 28 February was spiritually enriching and was attended by 58 people from diverse backgrounds. It was so good to see such a big number. Interestingly, most of the attendees were new faces or some who come regularly to Schoenstatt but have never been aware of the Retreats being offered.
In the opening prayer, we prayed for strength to carry on in an environment where faith is dismissed, and hatred, division, revenge and other evils are preferred responses to whatever happens around us.
We prayed never to lose heart, to be strengthened in the face of adversity and evil. To trust in God, do what good we can and leave the rest to Him. Remain confident in God.
The Talk/Reflection about Lent by Sr Mary Louise was especially helpful. Sister explained that Lent, being the beginning of the 40-day journey to Easter, is a time to move beyond rituals. It is a time of preparation for the Easter Celebration of the Pascal Mystery when we are challenged to renew the paschal mission in our lives and to discover our true self through the Sacraments and Scripture. With Jesus rising from suffering, pain and death, we will rejoice if our journey through “turning away from sin” has been sincere. Easter could not have happened without Good Friday.
We need to recognise sin in our lives and ways in which we can seek conversion so we can grow in relationships with God and our own family.
It is good if we ask ourselves:
- Can I do more to improve or be better connected with the Church, my Parish, my family?
- What does “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” look like in my life?
- What is the significance of the ashes for me during Lent. The people of Nineveh repented. What is the depth of my repentance?
Other aspects mentioned were that Lent is a time for us to open our hearts to God; to take time to turn away from sin and seek reconciliation; to strive to be faithful to the Gospel; and to use Lent as a time of longing, preparation and of penance.
Jesus endured temptation as He fasted for 40 days in the desert and was tempted to turn rocks into bread. As human beings we are also tempted like Jesus and He invites us to be on guard always.
It is in this time of the year that we need to focus on the Death and Resurrection of Jesus. We want to rise to a new life, living with Christ. To enjoy Easter, we have to go through the death of Jesus. Let the Easter Candle remind us to let the Light of Christ dispel the darkness of sin in my/our world. Only Jesus can fulfill the longing we have inside us.
Sr. Mary Louise emphasised the three pillars of Lent which focus on Fasting, Almsgiving and Prayer
Fasting:
- Abstaining from food helps us recognize our true hunger for the living God.
- Beyond abstaining from food, prayer and attentiveness to the needs of others is important as we strive to place God back at the centre of our lives.
- We can speak with care and kindness, avoid use of harsh words and abstain from harsh judgment to make room for others
- On a practical note, Sister suggested that at the end of each day, we ask ourselves these questions: When did I say too much? What THREE kind words did I say?
Almsgiving:
- It is not only about giving away unwanted material things or giving financial donations to the poor.
- It is also making sacrifices for others such as avoiding or fasting from eating food that we think others cannot afford.
Prayer:
- Prayer is a response to God’s presence in our daily lives.
- It is our lifeline to God.
- The Holy Spirit initiates prayer. Seek His help.
- Make time for intensive prayer, with authentic listening being an integral part
- Along with the Catechumens, renew our faith.
- There are many different types of prayer.
- Prayer is a deep practice of daily and spiritual renewal, reflection, and is a crucial part of Lent.
- St Paul reminds us to “pray without ceasing”
- Prayer lifts our intimacy with God and gives guidance
As part of our day, we could share in the blessings of an hour of silent Reflection, Prayer, Confession/Reconciliation as well as recitation of the Holy Rosary and Holy Mass.
In the afternoon session there was the possibility for creativity through Craft. All materials necessary to create/design a Cross, so relevant to Lent, were supplied. Everyone appreciated the finished product of a colourful Cross which can be used as bookmark.
Fellowship during the lunch break was important for catching up and sharing the riches of the day which was not complete without the sale of nicely decorated candles, other religious articles, mini plants etc and the yummy sweets prepared by Anne Walsh along with knitted items – ready to warm someone up when the cold weather comes.
One echo from the day was:
“Following the suggestions offered during the day, I found that when I took my daily walk, I had complete free time to spent in prayer with God without interruptions from family and friends. It made me appreciate the time I spend with God. I could remind myself that:
Lent is conversion towards an authentic living with God.
Lent is a time of Repentance.
Lent makes us aware of the Life of Christ.
Lent is time for more intensive prayer.
Lent reminds us to make time available to God.”
Zenny Custodio, Anne Walsh and Madge Miranda
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