30 April 2022 · 2022-04 newsletter
After many Zoom meetings, we were excited to be meeting face to face in the beautiful setting of Mt. Schoenstatt for the Lenten Reflection Day on 12 March.
Beginning with a prayer, Sister Mary Louise then moved into explaining to us the Joy of Lent. Despite all that has occurred in the last few years including bushfires, the pandemic, and more recently flooding, we were encouraged to look for and encounter Christ in the present moment. Every day of our lives is a step towards holiness. We need to start each day as a new journey in our own personal desert with Jesus.
The need to fast and abstain is important but also are the ten thinking points we learnt about and received a sheet on at the end of our first session. Each point had been given in a Lenten message or homily by Pope Francis. On studying these points, we find simple and practical ways to grow in our faith and prepare for Easter. It was importantly noted that there is no Easter without Lent.
We also had the opportunity for Reconciliation and silent prayer in the Shrine. There was a communal Rosary and a wonderful Mass, with singing, celebrated by Father Giovanni, the parish priest of Luddenham/Warragamba.
Lunch provided the opportunity to reconnect in our own Groups as well as with friends old and new we have missed seeing due to lockdowns.
Our final session was a fun exercise which involved picking from a choice of many a card that spoke to us. We were again blessed with the insight of Pope Francis. Our creative step was to place a magnet on the back to keep our card safely on our refrigerator.
Our closing prayer commenced and then paused to allow us to collect a small pendant of Mary & Jesus which we will keep with us or within our personal Shrines.
Sister Mary Louise told us it was never too late to start our preparation for Easter even if it was starting that day.
May this season of Lent, help us to prepare for the coming of Jesus. Let us reflect on the way that our Blessed Mother was his first true disciple and follow in her footsteps.
Fiona & Ann
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