Dilexit Nos<\/a>. This time of prayerful reading grounded the priests once again in God\u2019s deep and abiding love\u2014a foundation that nurtures both spiritual resilience and a capacity to recognize God\u2019s gifts in all circumstances.<\/p>\n\nThroughout the Day of Recollection, Scripture passages, reflections from Pope Francis and Henry Nouwen, insights from psychological research, moments of silence, communal prayer, and small group sharing created space for personal and communal renewal. These moments offered practical and grace-filled ways to cultivate resilience \u2014 our wellspring of HOPE, the wisdom that comes from trusting the hand of God at work in life experiences and the faith rooted in Divine mercy, providence, and benevolence. This resilience grows through attentive listening to the Word, openness to the Spirit, and the supportive presence of brother priests walking the same path of ministry.<\/p>\n\n
The meaningful fraternal exchanges\u2014morning coffee and pastries, unhurried conversations during breaks, and a shared midday meal\u2014added to the day\u2019s spirit of communion. Such moments reminded participants that resilience is often strengthened through shared life, mutual encouragement, and the simple joy of being together.<\/p>\n\n
The gathering offered a welcome pause in the rhythm of Advent, allowing priests to rest; reconnect head, heart, and hands*<\/b><\/i>; and rediscover the quiet graces of wonder, awe and resilience God continually offers from a place of abiding love.<\/p>\n\n
As we continue through this holy season, we pray for the grace to let go and let God, \u2014the God of love, who has always loved us, who remains with us, and who continually loves into growth.<\/p>\n\n
\nVoices from the participants<\/b><\/p>\n\n
Fr. Paul<\/b><\/p>\n\n
\u201cThe retreat was very nourishing, peaceful and at the same time challenging. Fr. Kelly’s talks were both inspiring and also challenging. A great day spent in prayer and companionship.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n\n
Msgr Francis Coyle, CSS<\/b><\/p>\n\n
\u201cThe Advent retreat offered to the priests of the English-speaking deanery was, for me, a preparation for the coming of our Saviour. Fr. Kevin Kelly S.J. provided us with the spiritual nourishment we needed to get the true reason for the season established in our hearts.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n\n
Fr. Stephen Otvos<\/b>
\n\u201cHosting Fr. Keven Kelly for our Advent recollection was a grace for me personally and for our presbyterate. His invitation to rediscover wonder, awe, and resilience reminded us that hope is not an idea but a practice\u2014learned in the humble attentiveness of the heart. Meditating on 1 Kings 19:11\u201313, I was struck again by how God comes to us in the quiet, in the still small voice, and how it is He who equips us for the mission entrusted to us. This renewed in me a deep sense of hope and gratitude, both as host for my brothers in ministry and as a fellow pilgrim on the way.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n\n
*Source : Fr. Anthony Atansi<\/i><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n\n
\n
Acknowledgement<\/b><\/p>\n\n
We are deeply grateful to the Diocesan Priesthood Guild for generously sponsoring this year\u2019s Advent Day of Recollection. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr. Kevin Kelly, SJ, whose generous gift of time and thoughtful preparation\u2014including meetings to discuss content and flow\u2014culminated in a deeply meaningful and impactful mini-retreat for all participants.<\/p>\n\n
\nAbout Fr. Kevin Kelly, SJ<\/b><\/p>\n\n
Fr. Kevin Kelly grew up in Ottawa and entered the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in 2011 after working for 12 years in a multinational pharmaceutical company, where he held a number of leadership positions in Canada, the United States, and Europe. He was ordained to the priesthood in May 2020.<\/p>\n\n
He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Ignatian Spirituality Centre of Montreal and Villa Saint Martin. His ministry includes spiritual direction and retreat animation, integrating Ignatian spirituality into the business context, and accompanying those in recovery from addiction. He is also a member of STIR (Spiritual Transformation in Recovery), a retreat program supporting people in recovery who have experienced homelessness.<\/p>\n\n
\nBy Martina McLean<\/b><\/i>
\nDirector, Office for English Pastoral Services and
\nAssistant to the Episcopal Vicar for the English-speaking Faithful<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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