The 3-day Retreat in English organised by the Faustinum Association began on Friday 25 August 2023 and concluded on Sunday 27 August 2023 at Kraków-Łagiewniki. This occasion also marked the 118th Anniversary of St Faustina’s Birth.
It was a Triduum Retreat with the theme “Brought to A New Birth through Divine Mercy”.
The Speakers were Fr. Jason Jones, STB, from Wales, Canon of the Chapter of Menevia Diocese Wales and Rector of the Diocesan Shrine of Divine Mercy and Sr. Maria Vianneya Dąbrowska, ISMM, a sister from the Congregation of our Lady of Mercy.
There were 24 participants from 11 countries who registered and attended this Retreat in English at Kraków-Łagiewniki.
The participants came from France, Portugal, Ireland, Canada, USA, Croatia, Denmark, Italy Slovenia, Puerto Rico, and Poland (an Indian origin residing in Poland).
The purpose of the Retreat was to give the participants the opportunity to spend more time in prayer, contemplation in silence and rekindle and deepen one’s relationship with God. It was an opportunity to hear more clearly God’s call and seek God’s healing grace and be spiritually renewed through the mystery of Divine Mercy.
It was a time to temporarily get away from the distractions of our daily lives to a restful setting of quiet and silence. With this personal space and surrounding one is able to pray and meditate; hear God speak and allow an inner change to occur.
Fr Jason Jones spoke about the following topics over the 3 days:
- “If we die in Him, we will also live in Him”
- Mary Mother of Mercy and of Trust – “Let it be done to me according to your word”
- From the upper room to the world – “Give me your hand”
Sr Maria Vianneya spoke about the The Passion of Christ followed by a Video Meditation on Faustinum’s Way of the Cross with the Diary of St Faustina on Day 1 of the Retreat and about the Sorrow of our Blessed Mother on Day 2 of the Retreat.
After a warm welcome, self-introduction of the participants, and a short prayer, Day 1 of the Retreat commenced with the with Hour of Mercy prayers at the Chapel of the Miraculous Image of Merciful Jesus and the Tomb of St Faustina.
As Day 2 of the Retreat on Saturday was the Solemnity of our Lady of Częstochowa, the Patron Saint of Poland, the Retreat began with the recitation of the Rosary followed by Holy Mass and the talks as per the Programs of Day 2.
Day 3 of the Retreat also marked the anniversary of the baptism of St Faustina and Fr Jason Jones spoke about the baptism of St Faustina before proceeding with the Programs of Day 3.
Points of Reflections and group discussions were held on the last day of the Retreat where participants engaged themselves in various discussions about the Retreat and shared their positive and encouraging views.
The Retreat in English concluded on Sunday 27 August 2023 with the celebration of the Holy Mass in English, preceded by Fr Jason Jones and lunch thereafter. Following a thank you address by Sr. Maria Vianneya Dąbrowska to the participant after lunch, the beautiful rendition of “Thank You Lord” by Don Moen was played and the participants sang along to the song. It was a perfect song and a meaningful conclusion to the 3-day Retreat in English.
Based on the feedback provided by the participants, this Retreat was spirit filled, fruitful and a meaningful one. Participants also expressed great joy and gratitude to be able to experience this Retreat in Silence.
Faustinum is pleased that the participants were able to have their own experiences and encounters with the Lord and our Blessed Mother during the silent Retreat.
Clearly, the Holy Spirit was our guide throughout the 3-day weekend Retreat and may the fruits of the Holy Spirt grow and bring forth a bountiful harvest in the coming times.
