Advent Retreat for English speaking Catholics

In preparation of the coming of the Messiah at Christmas, 28 people gathered at St Paul's House of Prayer on Saturday, 13 December for a Retreat organized by the Duns Scotus Bible Centre.   It was spiritually guided by Fr Juan Pablo Saju  on  the  theme  which was Hope in Jesus Christ.  The two talks given were focused on the totally selfless love God had for each and every one of us and that Christmas is Hope. There was also a short discussion on the first fruits of the Spirit.   At the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament participants were requested to reflect on their own lives especially during this season and to seek healing and forgiveness.   It was therefore opportune that many sought and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

In addition to the talks and reflections, most participants played an active role in the Retreat.  They took part in leading prayers at the Stations of the Way of the Cross and on the Rosary.   Some commented later that their actual involvement was spiritually invigorating.  The Retreat ended with the
Anticipated Sunday Mass. 

The St Paul's House of Prayer is efficiently managed by the Sisters of St Paul de Chartres.   It is situated in the rural area of Sheung Shui and its chapel and grounds provided a quite, peaceful setting to facilitate retreatants in their prayerful reflections.   

One-day Retreats were quite rare for the English speaking Catholics in Hong Kong until March 06 when the Duns Scotus Bible Centre started organizing Retreats for the congregation.  The response has always been positive thus encouraging the Centre to continue to arrange similar events in future.