In a spirit of unity and devotion, the Hispanic community of the Diocese gathered Dec 2, for an Advent retreat titled, “Walking Together Towards the Encounter with the Lord: A Day of Prayer and Reflection on Personal Encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist as the Source, Summit, and Center of the Church.”
Held in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Father Gustavo Rodriguez-Perez, coordinator of Hispanic Lay Formation, initiated the retreat by welcoming the participants and leading the morning prayer of Lauds from the Liturgy of the Hours.
Costa Rican psychologist and international conference speaker, Kristian Chaves, who also hosts a daily program on Radio Maria Costa Rica, shared his experiences, encouraging participants: “Let us be good mangers so that God may be born in our hearts. Let’s take an introspective look from the heart, pointing to Advent as a time of preparation and the Eucharist as a vital transformative tool in the life of a Christian. Let’s aim to be simple, humble, and honest in the eyes of the Lord, who sees in secret.”
He invited participants to reflect on the profound truth that “the presence of Jesus in the Church reaches its supreme intensity in the Sacrament of the Eucharist,” the most intimate communion of each person with Jesus Christ.
A guided holy hour with Lectio Divina, led by Deacon Edgar Chaves, provided a space for personal reflection. Accompanied by music and moments of silence, the hour allowed participants to deepen their encounter with the Lord. Confessions were also made available.
Lunchtime fostered a sense of community as participants shared their experiences and reflections. The retreat continued with the second talk focusing on “A Heart that Honors the Presence of the Lord.” Emphasis was placed on preparing the heart to speak with the Lord and not just about him. The session prompted contemplation on whether, during Advent, believers could expect the Lord in the Eucharist, experiencing an intimate and transformative encounter with Jesus in the form of bread.
Questions were posed: Does belief in this transformation manifest in our lives? Is it evident in our actions? Do we emerge from this encounter renewed, transformed, and joyous? The transformative power of the Eucharist emerged as a central theme, influencing and reshaping lives.
Margot Chaves, a participant from St. Mary of Mount Virgin Parish, Middlesex, expressed that each Advent season offers an opportunity for renewal, a chance to refresh the soul and improve through perseverance in humility. Chaves encapsulated her reflection by emphasizing that without seeing Jesus, humanity is nothing, and pondered on God’s expectations from humanity in the face of faith.
Sara Ascona, a participant from Visitation Parish, New Brunswick, expressed her enjoyment of coming together with other individuals striving to grow and live their faith, believing the joy to transmit this faith within their families and communities is a call.
Concluding the discussion, Kristian Chaves emphasized, “A heart that honors God is prepared to listen to his voice, abandon everything to honor God, and demonstrate willingness to obey, even when his guidance appears unconventional or madness. Let go of the voices of anxiety and the world; create room, open spaces, delve into silence, and learn to attune to the voice of God.”