A Lenten Recollection for Parishioners of Mary Help of Christians parish, Sabama
Gabutu, Port Moresby, PNG, 5 April 2022 -- A Lenten Recollection was held on Saturday 2 April 2022 at the Don Bosco Technical School Church, Gabutu, with the theme: “FORGIVENESS; I will rise and go to my FATHER.”
It was facilitated by the Mary Help of Christians Parish Sabama, the Pastoral Team of DBTS and the Bosco Haus Boys.
This event follows the invitation of Pope Francis to all Catholics to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation as we draw near to the Holy Week and prepare ourselves for the solemn feast of Easter.
Relating to the Gospel of Luke 15:11-32, Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, spoke on family inheritance in different cultures and said that it was a disgrace to ask for the share of a parents’ inheritance when they were still alive. “Children only inherit their parents’ wealth when the parents die. To ask for your share of inheritance while your parents are still alive is like telling them you want them dead and that is what we see in the Gospel today with the youngest son who was interested in his father’s money,” he explained.
He said that like the son, many of us do something similar and we end up in difficult situations. But when we return to God, He is always ready to welcome us back with open arms if only we are sorry for our sins and confess them.
Indwelling on sin and selfishness, Fr. Ambrose touched on the different addictions - to drugs, social media, smoking, alcohol, and sex, allowing participants, particularly young people to share their experiences and how cause difficulties and problems to their lives.
Parish Priest Fr. Pedro Sachitula sdb, said the recollection program was a preparation for Easter. “As we are gathered here today, may we find peace with God through the Sacrament of Reconciliation as our Holy Father Pope Francis has said so that we may enjoy the Light of the Risen Lord this Easter.”
The program included Hymns of Praise, sharing of testimonies, adoration, the Sacrament of Confession, moments of personal reflection and the recitation of the Holy Rosary.
In attendance were over a hundred youths, the elderly, young children and Religious. The participants were happy to make their peace with God and hear the words, "Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace". Go Gratitude to the six priests who made themselves available for the Sacrament of Recollection. The program concluded with light refreshments.
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