As the body gets tired after a hard day’s work, our soul also bombarded with worldly affairs, experiences fatigue and yearns for a refreshing dose of spirituality. Lent is the right time to rejuvenate our souls by reflecting on the Word of God.
A 3-day Lenten retreat was organised at Guardian Angel Church to rejuvenate our fatigued souls from 16th to 18th March 2023 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Rev. Fr Vijay Machado, Director of Mangala Jyothi, was the preacher. On the first day, Rev. Fr Machado preached on peace. He emphasised on the importance of peace at home, neighbourhood, ward and the parish, and most importantly, peace within us. He also called the faithful to fear the one who takes life out of body and soul, namely, God – and not the one who takes life out of body. He also said, God is with us always and knows us in and out; He called upon to live this moment and stop worrying about tomorrow.
On the second day, confessions were arranged for the faithful. During the preparation for the confession, he said that through the sacrament of confession, God cleanses our souls like snow. He also reminded that God forgives us as we forgive others; and confession brings peace to our mind.
The third day was dedicated to the family. Rev. Fr Machado called parents to be role models to their children. Just prayer does not suffice, the parents should adjust with each other and live a pleasing life because children follow their parents. He said parents should train their children in household chores so that they learn to be independent in life. He also gave call to the youth to have faith in God and said God rewards their endeavours suitably. He called the faithful to respect the elders in their homes and treat them with dignity.
The 3-day discourse filled the souls of the faithful with new spirituality and rejuvenated their souls in preparation for Easter.
