Drawing Closer to Jesus - A Day Retreat to Woodchester (28th March 2009)

The SVP once again graciously organised a day out for us, this time a Lenten retreat with the theme ‘Drawing closer to Jesus’ in the most peaceful setting of the Convent of the Poor Clares, Woodchester.

Having been warned that the narrow country lane leading to the Convent could only accommodate a small minibus, the driver carefully plodded along to the directional sound of Adrian’s built in satnav which logically enough brought us to the convent gates- were we glad that there was no oncoming vehicle!

Stepping into the warmth of the beautifully maintained Convent, Caroline who led the Retreat, welcomed us with coffee and biscuits which went down very well! Our meeting room was bright and cosy. Drawing our attention to the picture of Jesus washing Peter’s feet helped to remind us to give in totally all our fears to Jesus, in order that we could receive the healing, purifying mercy of God.

A fitting end to our day was to spend time with Our Blessed Lord in the chapel with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. This was followed by Mass. Fr.’s homily was based on John 3:16. This was illustrated most poignantly by the man who in saving a bus-load of factory workers fatally hit a little boy. When asked why he did not sound the horn, he replied, “I could but I know it wouldn’t work because he was deaf, he was my son.” “FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONE AND ONLY SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE”.

As a small group, Fr. Casimir invited us to gather around The Lord’s Table for the Eucharistic Prayer, lifting up and joining our hands for The Our Father. The closeness to Jesus and to each other was felt. The Mass ended with a special blessing from Fr. Casimir with his Mission Cross. The day has given us greater strength to love God and our neighbour.

Thanks to Caroline for leading the retreat, the Sisters of the Poor Clares for the use of a quiet and most appropriate venue, Fr. Casimir for spending the day with us and celebrating Mass, and not least to Adrian for organising the day out. (By Guay Tan)

Photos: 

a). Photos at St Mary's taken by Nilora. 

b). Photos at Woodchester taken by fr. Casimir