Lenten Retreat for Indian Montfort Lay Associates

BHAVAN, India - The Montfort Lay Associates gathered on Sunday, 23 March 2025, at Maria Bhavan for their annual Lenten Retreat. The half-day retreat was animated by Fr. Alexander SWAMY NATHAN, SMM, the National Director of Mary Queen of All Hearts, India. He preached on the theme, "Awakening the Spiritual Life," highlighting key aspects such as faith, prayer, scripture, community, and fellowship, which he described as essential "multivitamins" for nurturing one’s spiritual life.

During the retreat, the associates participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and prayed the Way of the Cross, which helped them refresh and renew their spirits. The gathering concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Alexander, followed by a fraternal meal. A special moment of joy was when the Associates offered financial assistance to Anugraha, the Montfort Social Service Centre. The donation was formally handed over to Fr. Jerome GONSALVES SMM, Director of the Montfort Social Service Centre.

We deeply appreciate and thank our lay associates for their generous contributions and their love and concern for the poor and underprivileged. Through this act of charity and their participation in the retreat, they made this Lenten season a truly meaningful one, responding wholeheartedly to the Lenten call to almsgiving and prayer.