Our Lady looked kindly upon us The Lord is so good. The week of our Oblate retreat was such a grace from heaven. I have no doubt that the Dear Lord joined us, Oblates, for that time of renewal. We had so much time just for Him. Every day we spent two hours in silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Such an extended period of silent prayer always makes an impact on us. It is said that prolonged exposure to the sun cannot leave your skin untouched but it is also true that the prolonged exposure to Jesus present in the host in the monstrance cannot leave your heart untouched. It doesn’t mean that it was easy to pray for so long but it was the time when the Lord was coming to help our weakness. As I was looking at my Oblate Brothers being in the chapel together in silence I couldn’t think how blessed I am to call them my brothers. At that time we didn’t talk to each other but we all gazed upon the One who is the center of our life and mission. St Eugene was so right when he prescribed us Oblates to gather every day to spend together quiet time with the Lord. He envisaged such an activity as the most cementing time for the community. People very often go away from their busy life to focus on themselves for us Oblates the time of retreat is not just focusing on becoming a more beautiful priest but it is the time when we invest in our Oblate community, by our prayer, reflection and fraternal support.
We also celebrated Eucharist together every day. I must say that for me it is always an uplifting and enriching experience to hear somebody else giving homily rather then hearing myself preaching every Sunday. I think I have got bored with my homilies. I was amazed how precise Fr Kevin was giving homilies. He didn't use many words but he always reach the target.
During our retreat we also remembered our dear Oblates who have gone before us to the heavenly kingdom. On Tuesday we went to the Springvale Cemetery to pray for those Oblates but also to remind ourselves that they are still part of our Congregation. The Communion of Saints is a powerful belief that those who have died and are with God are our best supporters and friends. I am always fascinated to hear stories of the Oblates who have lived and ministered in this Province for decades. It touches me deeply to hear how fondly they remember those Oblates who are with God. Listening to such stories make me realize that although I haven’t been long in this province yet but I have great examples of Oblates to follow.
It is impossible to imagine a retreat without the retreat master. Fr Kevin who guided us through those days of grace was another grace we were given. He is a man of great knowledge, experience and spirituality, at the same time he is also such a humble and gentle person. I have come to believe that because of his humbleness and gentleness the presence of the Lord Jesus was so evident among us. Fr Kevin was like a magnifying glass that enables you to see an object better. Looking at him was more like looking through him at Jesus. I still remember his first talk when he described his conferences as necessary distractions. How many years will I need to become such a witness to Christ like Fr Kevin is? He is also a great observer. I just loved how he incorporated into his conferences what he heard and saw as he mixed with us. Only a person who is very close to Jesus can see the Lord in the lives of others.
We also celebrated Eucharist together every day. I must say that for me it is always an uplifting and enriching experience to hear somebody else giving homily rather then hearing myself preaching every Sunday. I think I have got bored with my homilies. I was amazed how precise Fr Kevin was giving homilies. He didn't use many words but he always reach the target.
During our retreat we also remembered our dear Oblates who have gone before us to the heavenly kingdom. On Tuesday we went to the Springvale Cemetery to pray for those Oblates but also to remind ourselves that they are still part of our Congregation. The Communion of Saints is a powerful belief that those who have died and are with God are our best supporters and friends. I am always fascinated to hear stories of the Oblates who have lived and ministered in this Province for decades. It touches me deeply to hear how fondly they remember those Oblates who are with God. Listening to such stories make me realize that although I haven’t been long in this province yet but I have great examples of Oblates to follow.
It is impossible to imagine a retreat without the retreat master. Fr Kevin who guided us through those days of grace was another grace we were given. He is a man of great knowledge, experience and spirituality, at the same time he is also such a humble and gentle person. I have come to believe that because of his humbleness and gentleness the presence of the Lord Jesus was so evident among us. Fr Kevin was like a magnifying glass that enables you to see an object better. Looking at him was more like looking through him at Jesus. I still remember his first talk when he described his conferences as necessary distractions. How many years will I need to become such a witness to Christ like Fr Kevin is? He is also a great observer. I just loved how he incorporated into his conferences what he heard and saw as he mixed with us. Only a person who is very close to Jesus can see the Lord in the lives of others.
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