NauMai September 2021
Parishioners at Te Whaea Tapu o Kāpiti – Our Lady of Kāpiti enjoyed a six-day retreat in May, facilitated by the Kāpiti-based Cenacle retreat team Srs Anne Powell, Mary J Kay, Clare O’Connor with Fr Alan Roberts and Mrs Merle Whiteman.
The theme – encountering Jesus – was inspired by St Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises, and was true to Pope Francis’ call for a ‘renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ’s (The Joy of the Gospel). The retreat flowed around meditating on Gospel passages, stories of invitation, hospitality, and sharing food and life. Divided into four groups, guides led the 70 participating parishioners with meditations on readings, prayers, poems and songs. The parishioners shared insights, life stories, humour and wisdom, which reflected their renewed personal encounter with Jesus.
Held ahead of Ascension and Pentecost Sundays, the retreat was an apt time to let go and hold on, to receive and to trust.