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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.                                                                                             

MAY 2025

THEME: Signs of Hope

INTRODUCTION: 

In a world often shrouded in uncertainty, the theme of hope shines as a guiding light. The Church teaches us to discern the signs of our times and to respond with meaningful expressions of hope grounded in the Gospel. Let us remember that hope is not merely a feeling but an active response to the world around us.

GRACE TO BEG: 

My Lord God, open my heart to the needs of my neighbors, and empower me to be instrument of hope for others. May I always remember that hope lies in You, and may I reflect that hope in my life.

SCRIPTURE TEXT:      Luke 7:11-17

“… As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep…”

CORRELATED READING:     Spes non Confundit #7par 1, #10

“In every age, the Church has the responsibility of reading the signs of the times and interpreting them in the light of the Gospel. In this way, in language adapted to every generation, she can respond to people’s persistent questions about the meaning of this present life and of the life to come, and how one is related to the other”; During the Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind.

 

POINTS TO PONDER AND PRAYER EXERCISES:

  1. Contemplate Luke 7:11-17.
  • Picture the widow in Nain’s deep sorrow. Focus on Jesus, his eyes filled with understanding and love, transforming despair into joy by raising her son.
  • Reflect on how Jesus reads the pain, suffering, and despair in our world today, responding with healing and hope.
  • Recall a time when someone’s actions gave you hope during a difficult period. How can you emulate that in your life?
  • Jesus calls us to be signs of hope and love. Recall a time when you were a source of hope forsomeone in need.
  •  Thank the Lord for those who have been signs of hope in your life and for the opportunities to give hope to others.
  1.  Reflect on Spes non Confundit #7 par 1, #10.
  • Reflect on your interactions with those in need. In the last week, who needed hope? How did you respond? Were your actions uplifting and reflective of God’s hope?
  • Consider situations where you could have been a sign of hope. Were there moments you could have offered help but didn’t? What held you back?

POINTS FOR SHARING:

  1.  Share a time when you offered hope to someone in need or received hope during a difficult moment.
  2.  As a community, identify someone facing hardships, determine how to offer them hope, and take action to support them.