CPAM retreat day in Gethsemane


Fifteen members of the Coordination of the Pastoral Among Migrants gathered for a day of retreat in Gethsemane on Monday, May 23, 2016.

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In the quiet of the olive tree groves alongside the Basilica in Gethsemane, fifteen members of the CPAM spent a day of reflection, study and prayer. The day was kicked off with a talk given by Father Carlos Santos OFM, superior of the Franciscans in Jaffa and one of the Filipino chaplains, on “Mercy in Our Lives as Pastoral Agents”. Providing much material for thought and prayer, the talk was followed by a time of silent reflection and then small group discussion.

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After lunch and a time of rest, Katrin Straub, the social worker at Our Lady Woman of Valor Pastoral Center in Tel Aviv, gave a talk on “Mercy from the Perspective of Social Work” which in its turn provoked a discussion in small groups. Both talks gave much food for thought.

After the second talk, the group made its way to the Basilica and Father Michael Grospe, director of the Our Lady Woman of Valor Pastoral Center, led the prayer during which the group passed through the “Door of Mercy”, consecrated for the Year of Mercy. Inside the Basilica, Father Tojy Jose OFM, the chaplain of the Indian community in the Holy Land, celebrated mass with the group.

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The day was an inspired time for renewal and recommitment to the work with the migrants in the Holy Land. Thanks to Sister Agnese Elli, Comboni sister, who organized the day and the Franciscan fathers at Gethsemane who welcomed the group.

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