St John Paul II Prayer Movement – Divine Mercy Retreat Weekend

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The St John Paul II Prayer Movement hosted their first Divine Mercy Retreat Weekend, in the beautiful surroundings of St. Mary’s, Kinnoull, for the Feast of Divine Mercy, over 21st – 23rd April. It proved to be a great success, with 30 residential guests and 20 day visitors over the weekend consisting of prayer group members throughout the Diocese of Dunkeld and others from across Scotland and England. It was both a very busy as well as a deeply enriching and fulfilling occasion.

The Retreat offered everyone the opportunity to not only fulfil the criteria set by the Church to obtain a Plenary Indulgence but to grow in deeper understanding and renewal through the depth of prayer, worship, fellowship, spiritual talks, ministry and Sacraments made available.

The weekend culminated on the Sunday afternoon with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament followed by the Divine Mercy prayers and Veneration of the Image of Divine Mercy and then Mass followed by Veneration of the first class blood relic of St John Paul II.

The speaker was Dominican friar Rev Andrew Brookes. In a set of clear, insightful, spiritual and practical presentations, he took us on a journey through the Bible, mapping out the nature of Divine Mercy, and tracing God’s merciful actions in the Old Testament. He went on to look at how Divine Mercy came to its climax in Jesus, who established a new and eternal covenant by shedding his blood for us, a covenant that is renewed in the Mass and flows out to us in the waters of baptism, confession, and grace of life in the Holy Spirit. He finally looked at how we can become apostles of mercy to others and led us in a personal meditation to encounter again the mercy of God given to us in Jesus.

Through the talks, Sacraments, ministry and various other elements throughout the weekend, all felt they had been richly nourished and blessed. They left feeling spiritually renewed and ready to go out into the world to give witness to His love and mercy.

The St John Paul II Prayer Movement, now in its 7th year, was founded under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to foster the work of the New Evangelisation that Pope St John Paul spoke about. It is entrusted to reach out to all and help deepen their relationship with Christ and move in greater openness to the Holy Spirit whilst growing in greater knowledge of our faith, understanding of Scripture and its application for our daily lives. Marian, Spirit led and Eucharistic in its spirituality, it continues to grow since its inception with 12 people to four prayer groups within the Diocese of Dunkeld. We invite you to journey with us or explore starting a prayer group in your Parish, which we can help resource and facilitate.

For further info contact Chris 07887-606807

Chris McCrosson