IGNATIAN  RETREAT -  “To follow him means I live the life Jesus lived, in today’s context”

An Ignatian Annual Retreat was organized for the Sisters of the province of Pachmarhi from 23^rd  May to 28^th  May. Fr. Joseph Xavier SJ who is an experienced retreat preacher from the Jesuit Province of Chennai, India challenged the participants to model their lives according to the values that Jesus lived in his life.

Fr. Xavier led the participants to experience God very tangibly and to relish God’s love in their lives. Right at the beginning of our retreat, we were made aware that it is the Spirit who is operating in us, we only need to listen to him and turn towards God. The talks also invited sisters to transform their attitudes and perceptions towards life and mission.

WE HAVE TASTED AND RELISHED THE PERSON OF JESUS

The Eucharist became more meaningful after going through the life of Jesus during these days. In the Eucharist, Jesus loses his identity and takes on our human identity each time we receive Him in the Holy Communion. Our life and mission are nothing but losing myself in Jesus and taking on his identity- becoming more and more like him in my attitudes and behavior. There will no more be any place for my ego, my needs and wants. Living Jesus’ life and mission will become my priority and my face will radiate the joy of living in Christ.

The many parables and stories helped the participants to delve deep into the mystery of our life in Jesus. “Jesus of Nazareth was a man of the street.” How do I resemble Jesus in my life and ministry? Is my life full of joy? Do others get attracted to Jesus by the joy that is present in my life? The retreatants also enjoyed nature walks, meditations, cool weather, and the beautiful landscape that Pachmarhi is raising their hearts to God the creator in praise and worship.

We have tasted and relished the person of Jesus, especially during these days of our retreat. We have tried to understand who Jesus is for us and the purpose of our life as religious. We hope to be joyful witnesses of Jesus to the World.

Sisters Matilda Kha Kha & Aradhana Beck