Retreat day in Advent

More than 50 members of the kehillot in Jerusalem and Jaffa participated in the Advent retreat day on Saturday, December 8, 2012. The event took place in the beautiful convent of the Sisters of Zion in Ein Karem. The day of our spiritual preparation for Christmas began with the Liturgy of Hours after which the first talk was given. This year our guide was Etienne who introduced us into the world of the prophecies. We listened to the general introduction to this kind of literature and then analyzed various texts from the prophetic books that we read in the Church in the period of Advent.

After a time for silent meditation, we shared our lunch, the high point of which was the hot soup prepared by the sisters. The afternoon session was also led by Etienne. This time we entered deeply into this week's Bible readings and their interpretation in the Jewish and Christian tradition. Again the talk was followed by a time of quiet prayer. Some used the occasion for the Sacrament of Penance.

The Eucharist at the end was dedicated to Mary on the day of her feast – the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Fr. Rafik preached, calling us all to answer to God's invitation with the same words that Mary used: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord".

It was a busy but beautiful day. We want to thank to the Sisters of Zion and to all that helped to prepare this event.