To celebrate the Divine Mercy Sunday, two EC communities joined together for a fruitful weekend retreat in Flourtown near Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Community, consisting of only two families, hosted the vibrant Washington Community in a joyful gathering. Together with local parishioners more than 40 adults and 30 children were in attendance.
The retreat had some pivotal moments. It began with the Holy Mass and praise, and continued with a moving testimony from Pierre from Virginia, who shared his encounter with the Mercy of God through his life and in his family.
Listen to the recording of Pierre – talk about God’s Mercy
This led to a crescendo into a blessed Mercy Night. The soft lights, the touching music from Taize and EC, the recited divine chaplet around the exposed blessed sacrament guided to a fervent adoration and a continued line to confessions and pray groups. Definitely the Holy Spirit was working! Three young girls also shared about experiencing Jesus for the first time in their lives.
EC retreat strengthened the sense of community and fraternal love among brothers and sisters who never met before and immediately connected like long time friends! Further it providentially addressed the need of the parish, Saint Genevieve, that hosted the event. The parish used to have a particular devotion for the divine mercy with group prayers and adoration on the Divine mercy Sunday. With a new appointed priest, the Divine Mercy devotion was not longer planned. The retreat helped to continue the reverent tradition of the Divine Mercy in the Parish. Some parishioners attended EC Mercy retreat and Mercy Night, and eventually shared that they were touched and grateful by our presence in the parish. What a grace!
Finally, at the end of the retreat, members of both communities renewed their commitments to the Community, kneeling at the altar in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
It was a rejuvenated retreat where the EC charisms were fully experienced in a time of faith, prayers, friendship, laughter and joy. A big “Thanks” to the wonderful EC Washington Community for their presence and amazing support!
Stefania (PA)
Thank you for stepping out in faith to organize this gathering. May the graces received continue to bear fruit.
Great to see the birth of the EC in the USA. Blessings to you all and united in prayer !
What a beautiful night! God gives grace in abundance when we open our hearts to Him.