On Thursday, March 3, 2022, the first group of scholarship recipients of the John Paul II Foundation began the annual retreat at the Sacred Heart Fathers House in Pliszczyna near Lublin, led by Fr. Bartosz Mrozek, a Sacred Heart Father from Our Lady of Fatima Church in Krakow-Płaszów. On that day, after supper, the Holy Mass was celebrated, followed by an introductory meeting. Every morning in the chapel there was a prayer with the Liturgy of the Hours (Matins), followed by breakfast, conferences, group work and common prayer.
The sacrament of penance and reconciliation was the main theme of the retreat. Fr. Bartosz explained in detail the five conditions of a good confession. He spoke, among others, about the attitude of people to confession, what sin is, what one should confess and how to properly make an examination of conscience. These topics were the subject of group work.
At 3 p.m., the participants of the retreat prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet. On Friday evening there was adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and an opportunity for confession. Everyone prayed for personal intentions, but also remembered about the war-torn Ukraine, its inhabitants and authorities, asking for an end to the war and peace throughout the world. On Saturday evening, there was a screening of the film “Trial by Fire”, followed by a discussion.
The retreat ended on Sunday with the Holy Mass at 10.00 a.m. and lunch, during which the scholarship holders thanked Fr. Bartosz and all those who prepared the place for the scholarship recipients and organized this time.
Confession is a very important sacrament in the life of a Christian. Sin distances man from God. Let us be His good children, let us trust in His love, and let us persevere in prayer, especially during Lent.
Anna Vovchanska
