The cold, the rain and the distance were no excuses for members of the Teresian Association and friends not to gather for an Advent bilingual retreat at University of St Mary of the Lake Seminary, Mundelein IL. on December 9, a kick off event for the centennial of the pontifical approval of the TA.
Fifty-seven persons from Chicago, Cicero, Skokie and neighboring suburbs attended the retreat. Fr. Noel Reyes, of St Jerome Parish, surprised all by inviting them to open their cellphones and surf the painting of the Annunciation by Jan Van Eyck. He pointed out the painting’s details of how Mary listened to the angel and how, by her listening, the Word made flesh. “The Incarnation is the path to knowing God”.
To those attending the retreat he posed the question: “What does the Incarnation mean in ordinary life?” Participants gathered in small groups and each shared about each of those aspects of the Incarnate Jesus.
Fr. Reyes cited the martyr, St. Pedro Poveda, founder of the Teresian Association and pointed out that he understood well the Mystery of the Incarnation thus making the Incarnation a basic reference point for the TA associates in the transforming and humanizing presence they aspire to.
Contemplation
The morning reflection culminated with silent contemplation and adoration in the chapel where Fr Noel invited all to imagine being present in the scene of the Nativity as shepherds or any other character and to dialogue with Mary and St Joseph.
The Eucharist was the final conclusion of the day. Like the shepherds on that first Christmas, everyone went home beaming with joy and thanksgiving.
This retreat, was a kickoff activity of the Teresian Association, Chicago, on the Centenary of the TA pontifical approval in 1924, when Pope Pius XI recognized this lay vocation as a gift to the whole Church.
“It was the best way to prepare for Christmas”, said Olga Anglada. “It was amazing how Fr Noel linked many themes and ideas of Jesus’ life to our own reality”, she added, as she looks forward to the year for more celebrations.
Hermie Deano considered the day “a very meaningful and soul nourishing experience”.
May de Castro was thankful for the new faces. “We ran a successful invitation campaign among TA members and friends, and former youth group members. Many new people came.”
Beth Alcázar, Chicago.
Published in News