DRUMALIS RETREAT – DOWN & CONNOR
DRUMALIS RETREAT – DOWN & CONNOR
26 members of Down & Connor Apostolic Work attended our Annual Retreat in Drumalis. Fr Liam Dunne, Divine Word Missionary who has spent a number of years in Papua New Guinea and other countries conducted the retreat. The theme was ‘Amoris Laetitia’ meaning ‘the joy of love in families and the joy of the church’. Some of the hymns and prayers used in our devotion were taken directly from the words, writing and prayers of Pope Francis in preparation of the World Meeting of Families, which will take place in Dublin in August and other works concerning his life.
Our group listened attentively as Fr Dunne explained the importance of love in the family and in the Church, which is a worldwide organisation of peoples who accept Christ’s message ‘Love one another as I have loved you’. Mass was an enjoyable and uplifting experience for all present. After lunch there was some time for quiet prayer and/or a walk in the beautiful gardens. Later all participated in a service of reconciliation. For many of us this was a truly different experience as we were asked to see ourselves as in a mirror without faults yet see ourselves as Christ sees us – his beloved family. Pope Francis thanks God “that many families, which are far from considering themselves perfect, live in love, fulfil their calling and keep moving forward, even if they fall many times along the way.” Each of us then went forward silently to receive absolution and a Holy family icon picture.
Fr Dunne explained how the world in many surprising ways shared the fruits of our Apostolic Work. He reminded us that in our Mission Statement our aim is to ‘assist the missions in places where God is not yet know’. He also explained that the Divine Word Missionary Fathers are the largest missionary organisation in the world today, working in over 80 countries – most of which are very reliant on help from other countries if their mission is to succeed. Irish missionaries are not as numerous today as in former years but many missionary priests, sisters and lay missionaries are now coming from India, Indonesia, Brazil, Papua New Guinea and the Congo. These missionaries cannot be as well supported by their families/home countries as past Irish missionaries were, so in fact the needs of the mission world have increased in recent years and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
Reassured of our role in the world mission all of us were most impressed by Fathers enthusiasm and knowledge of the mission world today.
We had a wonderful weekend – the food, refreshments and hospitality was excellent and everyone enjoyed the retreat.
