More than 200 Paulines Mission Associates (benefactors and collaborators of the Daughters of St Paul) attended the Advent Recollection last November 30, 2013 at the Blessed James Alberione Auditorium on the theme, Jesus, the Light of Our Life.
Fr. Jean Marie Rollin (Tuzzi) Flores, SSP, the retreat facilitator, gave a very rich, life-giving and challenging reflection. He said that “Light” is a sign of God’s presence in all creation. That we need Jesus – the true light of the world because there are many forms of darkness in our society today like sin, broken relationships, problems, and trials, to name a few.
He said Advent reminds us that our life, our present situation, with all its tragedies and crises, should not lead to endless hopelessness because God’s love is more powerful. He narrated the beautiful stories of Abraham (Gen. 22), of the Israelites (Ex 14) and of Job (Job 1-37). He emphasized that God is with us. This is the reason why we celebrate Christmas – the birth of Jesus, the Emmanuel.
He challenged the assembly to welcome Jesus and to continue to be like Christ – a light for others, a light in today’s dark, sinful and suffering world. Fr. Flores also gave some concrete examples on how to become “light for others” like Jesus through the reception of the sacraments, through our devotions, by helping those in need, and in loving and shepherding our brothers and sisters.
After the talk, a short film entitled The Choice was shown. The Choice is a series of vignettes that highlight difficult choices young people face and presents the story of Mary, a Jewish girl who made an extraordinary choice.
In the afternoon, the rite of Reconciliation was celebrated, and the administration of the Sacrament of Confession followed. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist culminated the whole day of recollection.
