Lenten Retreat
The staff of the San Martín de Porres Humanitarian Health Center, located in Za Kpakpamè, Benin, experienced their spiritual retreat with great fervor during the Lenten Season. This special day was an opportunity to strengthen their inner life and renew their Christian commitment to serving others.
Starting at 8:15 in the morning, all the staff gathered in an atmosphere of reflection and fraternity. The retreat began with the praying of the Holy Rosary, a moment that allowed each participant to open their heart to God’s grace. This was followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, experienced in reverent silence that fostered prayer and a personal encounter with God.
The central moment of the retreat was the talk, developed around the theme “Let us walk together in hope,” inspired by Pope Francis’ message for Lent 2025. This reflection was presented by Mr. Zacharias, coordinator of the “Charismatic Renewal” prayer group, who invited participants to live Lent as a shared journey, in community, moved by faith, hope, and love. He emphasized the importance of not walking alone, but in fraternity, attentive to the needs of others, especially the most vulnerable.
The day concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist around midday, the culminating moment of the retreat, which allowed participants to offer their intentions and renew their commitment to service from a deeper spiritual dimension. The Mass was celebrated with solemnity, gratitude, and joy.
This retreat was undoubtedly a rich and meaningful experience that strengthened the team’s unity and deepened their sense of mission in service of health and human dignity, through a Christian and compassionate lens.
Sr. Regina Emeline ABITAN, o.p.
