つぶやき BLOG
2013年3月12日 OH半日黙想会 S.F. 2013/3/29(金)
| LENTEN RETREAT 四旬節の黙想会 Staff and lay collaborators of the Saitama Pastoral Center gathered last March 12 for a half-day Lenten Prayer. Always on the go attending to the pastoral needs of migrants from different countries and likewise to individual cases, this time, the gathering was to take time out to pray together and bring before God their experiences of having been “sent on mission” in the “vineyard” of Saitama Diocese. The theme focused on “Violence and Faith”. VIOLENCE experienced in many forms by the many women, men, children as reported to the Center and the complexities involved in the process of helping them. VIOLENCE experienced in the past by each staff and lay collaborator too and the truth that one likewise has a tendency to inflict violence consciously or unconsciously or in subtle ways to others too. FAITH, as many times, one seems helpless like Mary before the “Foot of the Cross.” Powerful symbols were laid before the group and each one chose one which strikes her/him deeply. After individual reflection and prayer there was small group sharing followed by spontaneous prayer petitions. The retreat ended with the famous song inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, “Lord Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace”. |
