17 November 2023 · 2023-11 newsletter
Annual Retreat for Pilgrim Mother Coordinators and Members
The Annual Retreat for Pilgrim Mother Coordinators and members was held on the 28th of October 2023, Saturday at the Family Hall, Mt Schoenstatt, Mulgoa. Our speaker was Fr Pawel Barszczewski O.P. and our theme was ‘Know that I am with you always’ (Mt 28:20). It was such an amazing group of pilgrims. The warm welcoming of each other made you feel as though ‘it’s been a long time since we met’
Fr Pawel’s talk was enlightening and encouraged us to know that we have been chosen and called for a mission. At break time there was a great interaction. All felt connected and I believe the thoughts, inspirations and motivations given us, reminded us that we are part of our PMA family. We prayed and gave thanks to our Blessed Mother who had accompanied us during the difficulties, struggles and challenges of the Covid times. “Nothing without you Mother, Nothing without us”.
We thanked Fr Pawel for his unending support of the PMA, as adviser and counsellor, and so on this day we were delighted to be able to join him in celebrating his milestone birthday.
Some reflections shared by the Coordinators
- Last Saturday was a very fruitful and spirit-filled day. The talk of Fr Pawel was very enlightening and reminded us again that God is always in our midst. I was also very happy that nine of my friends responded to my invitation to attend and their feedback was very positive. I thank the Holy Spirit and our Mother for their promptings.
- From Menai Prayer Group (Schoenstatt Coordinators) – ‘we had an enlightening spiritual retreat. Fr Pawel’s talk gave us a good understanding of our role in spreading the Good News, in whatever capacity or situation we are in. It may not be easy to do, but the words of Jesus ‘Know that I am with you’ may help us gain wisdom, courage and perseverance to do what we can. In prayer and in practical ways, may we be inspired by the Holy Spirit to be true disciples of Jesus. Thank you to the PMA organisers for the smooth running of the day and the food and drinks that gave us ‘fuel’ for the body. We were fully nourished on the day, both body and soul.’
- It was well attended, well organised, stayed on time.
- Pilgrims very happy to see each other.
- Learned something, God with us always.
- It was our first time to attend a Schoenstatt Retreat. We found it solemn and highly spiritual. The talk of the Dominican priest Fr Pawel was amazing. It made us think back and reflect, and that we can relate it to our everyday practical life, learn lots from it. The Benediction was solemn and uplifting, the people around us were all friendly and accommodating- it was a day very well spent.
- The PMA retreat had the following positives for me as a Coordinator, 1) most important thing was the full participation in the Holy Mass during which I was able to receive communion, 2) participation in exposition of the Blessed Sacrament where I was able to pray for one hour with the Lord, 3) one to one Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr Pawel & Sr Rita’s presentations were powerful & touching.
Edna Aldana
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