By Bianca Kallukaran, published in AMM Bulletin Spring 2024.
Exactly 4 days before the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Association of the Miraculous Medal, Sydney held its Annual Retreat Day. Elizabeth Hall (Daughters of Charity, Marsfield) dazzled in the 10 a.m. sunshine as the 20 retreatants for the day gathered to start a peaceful Sunday. Some retreatants were from the local parish of St Anthony’s, Marsfield (where the First Saturday Novena Masses are held), some from St Kevin’s Parish in Eastwood, some from Holy Spirit Parish in North Ryde and some even coming from St Joachim’s Parish in Lidcombe! Our Lady certainly gave them a beautiful welcome in this display prepared by Sr. Rosa (DC). The day started with Taize prayer that led participants into the peaceful presence of Christ and prepared them to receive Sr. Therese’s, DC talk on what it means to be a Disciple.
AMM-Retreat-Day-2024-4-slideaIn her talk, Sr Therese gave prominent examples of Discipleship in the Vincentian family as well as Mary as our model disciple. Retreatants were also encouraged to share their thoughts on discipleship in small groups as well as share the fruits of their discussion with all present. This was then followed with lunch where the retreatants got to get to know each other better in fellowship and sharing over a meal, followed by watching a wonderful video of St. Catherine Laboure. In the afternoon, Fr Kevin CM, gave a talk on Mary Mother of the Church which also continued the theme of discipleship.
The day then ended with Holy Mass at 3 pm celebrated by Fr Kevin, CM. The AMM in Sydney would like to thank all those who helped out to make the retreat day possible – Fr Kevin and Sr Therese, DC for delivering the talks and facilitating discussions and sharing among the retreatants; Sr Rosa, DC for organising the prayer times and Gene and Maricel (dedicated members of the AMM) who helped coordinate the retreat schedule, registrations, and hospitality for the retreat and to the Daughters of Charity in Marsfield for lending us Elizabeth Hall for our Annual Retreat. We also continue to seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother as she guides us to seek her son and to make Him known to others.