By St Ann Parish
KOTA PADAWAN — In the early hours of 22 March 2025, a total of 163 participants comprising members of the Legion of Mary departed for the Gethsemane Retreat Centre at 6:00 a.m., setting out on a journey of spiritual renewal during this Lenten season.
Upon arrival, the participants prepared for the highlight of the day: the Lenten Recollection Mass, which was celebrated at 9:00 a.m. The Mass was specially offered for all Legion of Mary members, providing a sacred moment to seek deeper reflection and reconciliation.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr Cornelius Prince, who, during his homily, expounded on the Gospel passage from Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 — the beloved Parable of the Prodigal Son.
Fr Cornelius emphasised that this parable invites each of us to examine our attitudes toward reconciliation. Both the younger and older sons reveal important lessons: the need to forgive, to accept forgiveness, and to let go of resentment. Just as the father in the parable extends unconditional mercy to his sons, we too are called to extend mercy and compassion to others.
Fr Cornelius also highlighted the importance of fostering an atmosphere of forgiveness and reconciliation within our relationships, mirroring the boundless love and mercy of our Heavenly Father. He encouraged all Legion of Mary members to embrace this message especially in their evangelisation and service ministries.
After the Mass, participants enjoyed a time of fellowship during the refreshment session, strengthening bonds among members from different praesidia.
The program continued with a spiritual recollection session, where participants were invited to deeper personal reflection and commitment to live out the Lenten call of conversion, forgiveness, and renewal.
The recollection concluded with a solemn Prayer of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross was recited in a special way: moving from one praesidium to another, with each praesidium taking turns to lead a station. This collaborative and prayerful exercise allowed all participants to actively engage in meditating on Christ’s passion and death, fostering a spirit of unity and devotion.
The day ended with a moment of silent prayer at the foot of the Cross, where each participant personally contemplated the depth of Christ’s love and sacrifice.
The entire recollection was not merely an event but a profound spiritual encounter. As participants returned home, they carried with them renewed hearts, inspired to become true instruments of peace, forgiveness, and love in their communities.
