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RECOLLECTION Guide

               

 

                 MONTHLY RECOLLECTION GUIDE 2025

Introduction

As Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres, we are called to be pilgrims of hope, journeying together with hearts rooted in God’s promise and eyes set on His vision. In a world filled with uncertainty, our vocation challenges us to bring Christ’s hope into every community we serve. As Spes Non Confundit reminds us, “Hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured into our hearts”  (Rom 5:5).

This monthly recollection guide invites us to reflect deeply on our mission, nurturing a hope that inspires and strengthens us to be active bearers of God’s light. In our faith sharing, we will engage in spiritual conversations structured in three rounds as we have already been doing. In the first round, we will listen to one another without interruption, creating a space for each person’s insights and feelings to be shared.

In the second round, we will reflect on and share on what we have heard. Finally, in the third round, we will express our personal commitments moving forward, articulating how we can embody and share God’s hope in concrete ways. May this time of reflection draw us closer to God, renew our commitment to His call, and empower us to carry His hope to those around us. Let us embrace this sacred practice, trusting that through these conversations, we will be strengthened and inspired to fulfill our mission with renewed zeal and commitment.                                                                                             

APRIL 2025

THEME: “Hope is born of love"

INTRODUCTION: 

Hope is a gift that calls us to be molded by God’s love and share it with others. Revealed through Jesus on the cross, this love reconciles us to God and offers lasting hope. Like the Prodigal Son, God’s love renews us, calling us to live in chastity, poverty, and obedience.

GRACE TO BEG

Lord Jesus, grant me a heart renewed by the hope that flows from your love. May I be reconciled, restored, and strengthened by your mercy, and may your love guide my life and my relationships each day.

 Scripture Text:

Romans 5:10

“For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life”

CORRELATED READING: 

  • Spes non Confundit #3 par 1

Hope is born of love and based on the love springing from the pierced heart of Jesus upon the cross:

  • Book of Life #9

“Consecration is inspired by the charity that God pours into our hearts. This consecration pledges us to love God and all men as perfectly as possible; it is expressed by the profession of chastity, poverty and obedience.”

 

POINTS TO PONDER AND PRAYER EXERCISES:

  1. Contemplating the Cross: Love and Reconciliation
  • Lectio: Prayerfully read Romans 5:10
  • Meditatio: Meditate on the pierced heart of Jesus, pouring out love, hope and reconciliation.
  • Contemplatio: Reflect on how God’s love has given you hope, recalling specific moments of renewal and restoration, even in difficult times.
  • Oratio: Pray for renewed awareness of God’s forgiving love. Surrender any barriers preventing you from embracing the hope of Christ’s sacrificial love.

2. Living Out Love in Consecration: BL # 9

Read BL#9 and reflecting on the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience as expressions of God’s love.Consider how His love frees you to love others selflessly. Ask yourself:

  • How can I deepen my commitment to love God and others?
  • What attachments can I surrender to trust God more fully?
  • How can I listen more attentively to God’s voice and respond with trust? Speak with God, inviting Him to pour His love into your heart, strengthening you to live each vow with joy and dedication.

POINTS FOR SHARING:

  1. Share about a time when you experienced God’s love as a source of hope in a difficult situation.
  2. As a community, what are some ways you can help others encounter God’s hope and love, especially those who may feel distant from Him? Make a concrete plan of action.