Finding our calling and answering it is not always easy. But once we have discerned that we are made for marriage and yet the marriage fails, the new reality suddenly throws our whole existence into question. To help those who are divorced or separated in dealing with all the pain and uncertainty, the pastoral family of the Montreal archdiocese has for almost 30 years been providing them occasions for spiritual renewal. On December 3, at a retreat sponsored by the Diocesan Centre for Marriage, Life and Family, some 30 participants gathered to experience the joy of sharing this journey towards the light of Christ. Enriched by the reflections contained in Archbishop Lépine’s teaching, they took part together in the experience of the Lectio Divina, or meditation on the Word of God. Following this, guest speakers from Famille Solitude Myriam and Momentum Single Mothers shared their profound hope through their life testimonials. From beginning to end, a spirit of fellowship permeated the day.

As one of our participants commented: “Hello and thank you, not only for your kind note, but also for the sacrifice of time and effort you made on our behalf. I truly appreciated this day. Since everything was so well done, I have no suggestions to make. I just want to express my encouragement. Thank you again, and God bless you.”

The mini-retreat concluded with a beautiful moment of personal and group prayer by candlelight. May the Light of Christ guide us in our trials: “for whenever I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:10). For more information about this annual retreat or about our Spiritual Support for Divorced or Separated Persons program, please contact us at: centredmvf@diocesemontreal.org or visit our upcoming activities page at diocesemontreal.org/fr/upcoming-activities.