Retreats and Ash Wednesday

For  Catholics, Ash Wednesday is the official start of Lent- a solemn observance in the Christian Church lasting for about six weeks or 40 days in the liturgical year.  For the faithfuls, Ash Wednesday also ushers in the period for joining retreats. Ashes are blessed  usually  during the first Mass of the day. The blessed ashes are  "imposed" on the forehead of the faithfuls after each Mass celebrated the whole day through. This act is a sign of conversion, penance, fasting and human mortality.  This 2013, Ash Wednesday falls on February 13 which is today . . .

The act of putting on ashes symbolizes fragility and mortality, and the need to be redeemed by the mercy of God. Far from being a merely external act, the Church has retained the use of ashes to symbolize that attitude of internal penance to which all the baptized are called during Lent. — Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy

Lent is the best time to fast from the boredom or dryness and / or pains of  daily struggles. Joining a spiritual retreat provides the inner peaceful ambiance for a more meaningful observance of Lent and of life.

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." - Matthew 6:16-18

On Ash Wednesday, you may begin to ponder how  and where to  find that place of  refuge where a safe inner journey can be made possible. Join us in our Road Trip spiritual retreat this Lent. We will be glad to journey with you.

ROAD TRIP

Finding God in Your Life's Journey

March 16, 2013

v  walk prayerfully through the many phases of your life

v  discover God as your constant companion on your journey

v  reflect on your transitions in the light of the Paschal Mystery of Jesus

v  uncover the gifts of these transitions

email: wholeingcenter@yahoo.com.ph