
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.