“Man of Sorrows” diocesan Encounter retreat provides time for Lenten reflection and prayer

Sr. Cindy Lewans of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary leads a reflection at the diocesan Adult Faith Encounter retreat March 7, held at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Office)

Catholic Saskatoon News

(With files from The Catholic Register, Canadian Catholic News)

A “Man of Sorrows” Lenten retreat was held March 7 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon, led by Sisters of the Presentation of Mary.

The Lenten retreat presented as part of the diocesan Adult Faith “Encounter” program, was inspired by Isaiah 53:3: “He is despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.”

“It is important to acknowledge the passion of the Lord — recognizing how there is no resurrection without the passion,” said diocesan Adult Faith Coordinator Astrid Alas, who orgnaized the Lenten retreat.

The retreat also explored how the “Man of Sorrows” is also the “Tree of Life” through his passion, death and resurrection.

In meditating upon Christ’s grief during His final hours before crucifixion, participants were invited to contemplate their own sorrows, and the distress and suffering of others.

“How can the Man of Sorrows be found in our brothers, sisters and ourselves?” asked Alas, noting an ongoing diocesan focus on listening and on the Synod on Synodality’s call to communion, participation and mission.

She pointed to Pope Leo XIV’s message for Lent, which highlights listening and fasting. “He speaks about how listening is needed — to the Holy Spirit, but also to one another. That is the goal that we aim to achieve.”

The retreat led by Sr. Cindy Lewans, PM; Sr. Lucie Hamel, PM; and Sr. Emma Rousseau, PM, included time for prayer, and celebration of Mass.

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Photos

(Photo by Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Office)

(Photo by Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Office)

Sr. Lucie Hamel, PM, leads a session during the diocesan Lenten retreat “Man of Sorrows.” (Photo by Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Office)

Eucharistic adoration in the Queen of Peace Chapel was part of the March 7 diocesan Lenten retreat. (Photo by Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Office)

(Photo by Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Office)

(Photo by Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Office)

(Photo by Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Office)

(Photo by Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Office)

(Photo by Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Office)

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