This past weekend, St. Kizito parish embarked on a Lenten retreat guided by the insightful teachings of Fr. David Niwagaba, SMM. The theme of the retreat was “Hope gives meaning to Life”. The objectives were to lift up our hope and faith, remind us of our Lenten journey and reconcile us with God.
Fr. David emphasised the profound connection between hope and a meaningful life. He reminded us that even amidst life’s challenges, hope serves as an anchor, guiding us towards a deeper connection with God. He cited examples of Biblical figures like Abraham, Moses, Ruth, David and Joseph who showed great faith and hope in God. Fr. David said that no one can have a testimony unless one is tested.
“Only great tests lead to great testimonies,” he said.
Throughout the retreat, parishioners engaged in prayer, reflection, and hymns. Fr. David’s guidance encouraged us to look beyond our daily struggles and embrace hope, reminding us that even in times of difficulty, our faith and hope can be a guiding light.
The retreat concluded with a Eucharistic celebration. In Fr. David’s homily, drawing inspiration from the day’s readings on forgiveness, he challenged us to move beyond conventional reactions and cultivate empathy. He urged us to “step into other people’s shoes,” to truly understand their perspectives and motivations, whether their actions were deliberate or unintentional. Fr. David said that it is essential to foster forgiveness and break the cycle of retaliation. By choosing understanding over confrontation, we embrace the spirit of Lent and pave the way for reconciliation with God and our fellow human beings.
This Lenten season, may we all find renewed hope, deepen our faith, and embrace the transformative power of forgiveness.