Silence and meditation during three-day retreat for the laity
Baan Phu Waan (AsiaNews) The Archdiocese of Bangkok has organised a three-day retreat for lay people from the first of its six districts at Baan Phu Waan in Samphran, Nakhon Pathom, about 60 kilometers from Bangkok.
"We organised the same activities as last year but gave priority to those who were unable to attend last time due to limited number of people, 130, we can accommodate," said Fr Francis Kriengsak Kovidhavanij, rector of Assumption Cathedral and the director of first district.
"The objectives of the retreat are to let participants stay in silence mediating on the words of God. We also explain to them how they can announce the Gospel to those of our brothers and sisters who are not Christian."
Participants take part in group discussions to share their respective experiences in evangelisation. Outside the seminary they are not allowed to use cellphones, listen to radio, watch TV; not even talk to one another.
"It is a good opportunity to look inside ourselves even though we have little time," said Anna Sirilak from Rosary Church. "But it would have been nice if more young people had joined us and reduce the gap between older and younger generations".
Monica Oranuch from St Louise Church said: "It is very good to have an opportunity to stay silent even for a short while. Personal adoration of the Eucharist can make one feel serene. In fact, it is a time to count our blessing to help us bear the burdens of life."
Peter Sirisak from Redemptorist Church noted that "the exchange of ideas and experiences in group discussions is very useful. It broadens one's vision and makes one feel that one's difficulties are nothing compared to those of others. Beside one can make more new friends."
For Fr Peter Vatchasin Kritcharoen, president of the Commission for Catechetical Education from the Diocese of Ratchaburi, "being a missionary in our daily existence is to be friendly and always forgiving towards others. Evangelising also means listening to others because our society needs people who can listen."
"I hope that Thursday everyone will spare some of their time for the Eucharistic adoration," Father Kovidhavanij said. "This way they'll be able to feel the sacrifice of Jesus Christ."
"Every time we receive communion we must realise the importance of spending our lives according to God's Will. Thus we can serve as examples for others and this is the best way to evangelise."
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