Thursday 24 February 2011

Franciscan Retreat at Manchester University



On 11th-13th February, the FAV Team (Franciscan Animators for Vocations) were invited to give a Franciscan Retreat for the Catholic Chaplaincy of the University of Manchester. This was co-ordinated by Sr. Oneng. The team included Srs. Clare Bernadette FMSL, Teresa FMSJ,  Oneng FMDM, Br. Paul OFM Cap and Br. Antony OFM.



They were kindly hosted by Rev. Ian Kelly and the Cathsoc and accommodated by the neighbouring OFM Conventual and FMSJ communities.

The theme of the weekend was 'First Things First'. This retreat included opportunities for Mass, Adoration, Confession, workshops, discussion, prayer and reflection. Br. Paul introduced this theme with his opening Mass and workshop on Friday evening. This dealt with the challenge of putting God first in one's life – in practice as well as in desire. In his workshop, Br. Paul explained how St. Francis put God first. Through meditation, he entered into the mystery of Christ by a threefold path, focusing on the Incarnation, the Passion and the Eucharist.
During Mass on Saturday morning, Br. Antony led us to reflect, through the Gospel story of Martha and Mary, on how our busyness can cause us to miss Christ present to us in the present moment. He also led us to question whether God is always our inner motivation for serving others.

Later in the morning, Sr. Oneng's workshop delved into the profound conversion which St. Francis underwent when he decided to kiss a person he would have normally avoided at all costs – a person suffering from leprosy. Oneng explained how, after seeing Christ in the leper, Francis' outlook was gradually changed so that he began to see Christ in all his fellow creatures. We were then challenged to befriend the 'lepers' in our own lives.
In between workshops and scheduled prayers, there was time for Franciscans and students to relax and converse together.



In the afternoon, Sr. Clare led a workshop about the relevance of St. Francis' spirituality expressed in his Canticle of Sir Brother Sun, to ecological issues facing today's world.




The group discussions considered the potential of a spiritual practice of poverty and outlook of humility in our efforts to live in harmony with the rest of creation.
In the evening, there was an open forum with students in which each member of the FAV team shared the story of their own vocation and the team answered questions from the retreatants. This session was resumed and completed on Sunday morning after Mass.


During the Holy Hours, Sr. Teresa helped us to get in touch with God through the prayers of St. Francis.
In the Mass of Sunday morning, Br. Paul highlighted the necessity of God's grace, not just our good works, to help us become the saints we are all called to be.
With some members of the Team including Srs. Oneng and Clare having to depart on their homeward journeys, there were some farewells and photos before lunch.

The retreat concluded that afternoon and evening with a workshop on Franciscan saints and an evening Mass.
FAV Team members commented that they enjoyed the weekend and appreciated the friendly welcome, enthusiastic participation and constructive feedback of the students and chaplaincy. They also enjoyed the Franciscan teamwork of the event. Thanks and God bless to all who enabled and prayed for the success of this retreat.


2 comments:

  1. Nice to see some familiar faces - looks like the novices are all doing well. I see you are sharing your Dr. Who scarf around in a generous and frivolous manner. Are you using a power point for your presentations? Who are FAV? Is this another version of what International Rescue say to each other, (F.A.B.)?

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  2. The motivation and encouragement to be in closer touch with God with the first and most priority to Lord, like the example shown by the life of St. Francis of Assissi towards Jesus Christ, is still existing within us. Wishing similar and more beautiful works in God's name be done with enthusiasm. Our prayers and support are with you all...
    May good God bless your endeavours and guide you by His divine love for all...

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