Caritas Christi Urget Nos The Love of Christ Impels Us L'amour de Christ Nous Presse

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.                                                                                             

OCTOBER 2025

THEME: Mother of God, Witness of Hope

INTRODUCTION: 

Mary lived hope fully, interceding for us and leading us to Jesus. Despite hardships, she never gave up, saying “fiat voluntas tua.” She remains our central inspiration of faith, hope, and love.

GRACE:

Lord Jesus, grant me the humility to seek your help and the peace that comes with it, with Mother Mary who never regretted placing her hope and trust in You and neither should we! Mother of Hope, pray for us!

SCRIPTURE TEXT:    JOHN 2:1-11 The Wedding at Cana

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” [And] Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.”

CORRELATED READING:

  • Spes non Confundit #24 par 1

Hope finds its supreme witness in the Mother of God. In the Blessed Virgin, we see that hope is not naive optimism but a gift of grace amid the realities of life.

  • BOOK OF LIFE #5

From the beginning, the Congregation has been placed under the protection of the Virgin Mary. . . they find in Mary the model of deep faith and complete trust, absolute conformity to the plan of God, perfect participation in the mystery of salvation, thoughtful, warm-hearted service of others.

 

POINTS TO PONDER AND PRAYER EXERCISES:

  1. Contemplate JOHN 2:1-11 The Wedding at Cana

Prayerfully reflect on the Wedding at Cana: Tension rising as wine runs short, waiters whispering anxiously. Mary approaches Jesus, gently saying, “They have no wine.” Watch her turn to the servants with confident hope: “Do whatever He tells you.” Turn your gaze to Jesus as He follows the command of His mother. As our spiritual mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary teaches us to trust God’s promises, even amid life’s challenges.

  1. Reflect on Spes non Confundit #24 par 1
  • How do you relate to Mary’s experience of hope? Are there specific situations in your life where you have felt a similar grace?
  • How can Mary’s example encourage you to maintain hope in difficult times?

POINTS FOR SHARING:

  1. What practical steps can you take to embody hope in your daily life, following the example of the Blessed Virgin?
  2. As a community, how can you share this gift of hope with others, especially those who may be struggling to see beyond their immediate difficulties?