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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.                                                                                             

AUGUST 2025

THEME: First Sign of Hope - Desire for Peace

INTRODUCTION: 

This month, we are called to reflect on the profound theme: “First Sign of Hope – Desire forPeace.” We are invited to explore how the innate human longing for peace serves as a beacon of hope in our lives and in the world. May this time of reflection fill us with renewed hope and strengthen our commitment to peace.

GRACE:

Lord, grant me the grace to recognize and cultivate the desire for peace within me, in my community and in my ministry. May I be an instrument of peace, spreading hope and love wherever I go.

SCRIPTURE TEXT:    Matthew 5:9

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

CORRELATED READING:   Spes non confundit #8

The first sign of hope should be the desire for peace in our world, which once more finds itself immersed in the tragedy of war.

POINTS TO PONDER AND PRAYER EXERCISES:

Begin with this prayer: O Loving Creator, grant me the grace to nurture the desire for peace in my heart. Help me to be a peacemaker, carrying Your light into a world that deeply yearns for harmony and hope. Amen.

  1. Understanding Peace as a Sign of Hope. As you meditate on Matthew 5:9, reflect on the following:
  • What does “peace” mean to you? Consider both inner peace and peace in your community. How does the desire for peace manifest itself in your life and actions?
  • How does the pursuit of peace instill hope in you and those around you? Consider how the desire for peace has resulted in positive change.
  1. Becoming a True Peacemaker. Pray for peace in your heart and in the world as you reflect more deeply on the texts from Spes non Confundit #8.
  • Identify the challenges and barriers that hinder peace in your life and in the world. How can you address these obstacles and encourage a more peaceful environment?
  • Contemplate on your role as a peacemaker. How can you actively promote peace in your daily interactions and larger community? Reflect on specific actions you can take to embody this role more fully.

End by thanking the Lord: O God of Peace, I thank You for the gift of hope that comes from my desire for harmony. May I carry this hope within me, becoming a true peacemaker in Your name. Amen.

POINTS FOR SHARING:

  1. Share with the group a personal experience where the desire for peace played a significant role. How did it impact you and those around you?
  2. Brainstorm ways your community can collectively work towards peace. What initiatives or activities can you undertake together to spread hope and harmony?