11/12/22 Ultreya

It was a rainy Saturday evening where 16 Cursillistas gathered at Holy Name of Jesus. Rector Marti Patterson opened the evening with the Holy Spirit prayer and group reunion time. Witness speaker Angel Rodriguez-Rivera shared his story of his 50-year broken marriage which led to loneliness and loss of love. He turned to the Lord in fervent prayer and became active in parish ministries where he befriended a Vietnam Veteran. They recited the Rosary at the VA hospital together and many patients of different faiths came to know them and joined them in prayer. His friend passed away; however, Angel continued the Rosary ministry. When the pandemic began, his ministry activities slowed down and loneliness and separation from his daughters began weighing on his heart. Angel increased his prayers, looking to the Blessed Mother to lead him to meet a woman companion. At a Rosary and Divine Mercy retreat, Angel's prayers were answered. He met a woman who was praying to meet a male companion. Their relationship continues to grow and they are grateful to God for His faithfulness to answering their prayers. Angel continues to pray for his estranged family in hopes that one day they will reconnect with love and joy. Angel has expectant faith that God's love will do the healing.

Reflection notes from Spiritual Advisor, Jaimee Perez:

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:12-17