The Presence of The HOLY TRINITY...
The previous three retreats by Daughters of Carmel were rejuvenating and extraordinary. We yearned very much for another retreat where we could experience the touch of the Most Holy Trinity. When we heard about another retreat by the Daughters of Carmel in Seattle on February 15-17, 2013, we were very excited to go. The topic was “Only Say the Word and I shall be Healed” and the speakers were Sr. Jacinta, Sr. Priscilla, and Sr. Theofila. We did not mind the three-hour drive to Seattle just to get our yearning satisfied. However, the journey to the retreat was not as smooth as we planned and hoped.
The first challenge surfaced before the retreat. We registered as a family of four so that our two kids, Jason and Bryan, could experience the blessings of the retreat. As the day of the retreat became closer, Jason informed us that he could not go because he had to prepare for a Math test and Bryan would not come along without Jason. The thought of canceling our registration came across our minds. After careful thinking, we decided to go to Seattle and left the kids at home with enough food and some money because they were old enough to stay at home without us for a couple of days. Other important factors that affected our decision were our promises to our friends (Inneke and Rohana) to drive them to Seattle and to the Daughters of Carmel to help them during the retreat
Before we left, we particularly told the kids about the importance of going to the Holy Eucharist on Sunday. This time, they needed to learn to go by bus on their own, without us driving them to attend the Holy Eucharist. We were very pleased when we found out that they went by bus to the Holy Eucharist at our parish: St. Clare of Assisi in Coquitlam. “Praise and thanksgiving to You, Lord, for always being with us.”
Another challenge was getting to the retreat location. On the way there, we were lost for about an hour since we were not familiar with the streets. Instead of being upset, together we figured out the way to the retreat location and continued with our discussion about the importance of serving in the prayer ministry. The discussion was very fruitful to our spiritual growth. As the retreat progressed, we discovered the Daughters of Carmel taught many things we discussed in the car. Getting the lesson twice, in the car and during the retreat, helped engrave the lesson in our hearts and minds. What was thought as a challenge, turned to be a blessing in disguise for us. We were meant to be lost in the geographical direction while the Holy Spirit and the Angels gave us the correct spiritual direction. Eventually, we arrived at the correct geographical location. We were touched as everyone welcomed us warmly although we were late. Thankfully, this was the last challenge we had in the retreat.
The retreat was organized by the youth members of KTM (Holy Trinity Community). Judging from their look, we would have never thought that they would be able to organize the retreat well. We were pleasantly surprised to find out how much effort they had put into the retreat: they raised funds, searched for available priest, retreat locations, and caterers, organized the Praise and Worship events, and took care of many administrative and technical details. In addition, we were grateful to the Lord to see many other youth participants coming to the retreat on their own will, without being coerced by their parents. Comparing them with the typical youths in our society, we believe that this is the work of the Holy Spirit.
The retreat was refreshing to our souls, although the topic was the same as the Inner Healing retreat previously held in Vancouver. The teaching was centered on the needs of serving in praying ministry for healing purposes.
Throughout the retreat, I felt the presence of the Most Holy Trinity. First, the Holy Spirit was present in each of us who went for the Sacrament of Confession or counseling with the Daughters of Carmel. All of us in the room yearned to have a clean heart and thirst for holiness. The line-ups were very long. Next, in the washing of the feet, we sensed the outpouring grace of mercy from the Holy Spirit and experienced healing and spiritual renewal as our feet were washed.
In the last event, during the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Lord answered my desire to have one of the Daughters of Carmel pray for me and lay hands on me. Sr. Theofila made the sign of the cross and blessed me. I felt it was Jesus who made the sign of the cross and blessed me, not Sr. Theofila. She stepped closer and began to speak in tongues. Then, before I realized what happened, I, too, began to speak in tongues in response to her prayer. I was so relaxed that my body felt as light as a feather. Then, I saw a bright light above my head and my face was facing upwards. God the Most Holy was there. I said to the Lord, “Let me see Your Face, O God Most Holy.” He answered, “Not today, my child. Later, when the time comes.” When the light started to fade, I tried to hold on to the light and answered “Yes, Lord Most Holy but let Your light be with me for a few moments longer.” My soul was filled with joy and peace while my eyes were filled with tears. The light left me and I went back to my seat. Afterwards, we sang Hymns of Worship. At the culmination of the Worship, everyone was singing in tongues and on the ceiling a multitude of Angels singing and flying around us.
With such extraordinary experiences, our spirits were recharged and renewed. We returned to our home in Vancouver with abundant joy and peace. “O Lord, Most Holy, we thank you for the extraordinary experiences and abundant grace we received in this retreat. It was very precious to experience your Presence with everyone: the priest, Daughters of Carmel, retreat organizers, and participants.” Thank you so much Lord for all your blessed.
Peace, Love, and Joy of Christ be with us now and always,
Prisca Widjaja
The first challenge surfaced before the retreat. We registered as a family of four so that our two kids, Jason and Bryan, could experience the blessings of the retreat. As the day of the retreat became closer, Jason informed us that he could not go because he had to prepare for a Math test and Bryan would not come along without Jason. The thought of canceling our registration came across our minds. After careful thinking, we decided to go to Seattle and left the kids at home with enough food and some money because they were old enough to stay at home without us for a couple of days. Other important factors that affected our decision were our promises to our friends (Inneke and Rohana) to drive them to Seattle and to the Daughters of Carmel to help them during the retreat
Before we left, we particularly told the kids about the importance of going to the Holy Eucharist on Sunday. This time, they needed to learn to go by bus on their own, without us driving them to attend the Holy Eucharist. We were very pleased when we found out that they went by bus to the Holy Eucharist at our parish: St. Clare of Assisi in Coquitlam. “Praise and thanksgiving to You, Lord, for always being with us.”
Another challenge was getting to the retreat location. On the way there, we were lost for about an hour since we were not familiar with the streets. Instead of being upset, together we figured out the way to the retreat location and continued with our discussion about the importance of serving in the prayer ministry. The discussion was very fruitful to our spiritual growth. As the retreat progressed, we discovered the Daughters of Carmel taught many things we discussed in the car. Getting the lesson twice, in the car and during the retreat, helped engrave the lesson in our hearts and minds. What was thought as a challenge, turned to be a blessing in disguise for us. We were meant to be lost in the geographical direction while the Holy Spirit and the Angels gave us the correct spiritual direction. Eventually, we arrived at the correct geographical location. We were touched as everyone welcomed us warmly although we were late. Thankfully, this was the last challenge we had in the retreat.
The retreat was organized by the youth members of KTM (Holy Trinity Community). Judging from their look, we would have never thought that they would be able to organize the retreat well. We were pleasantly surprised to find out how much effort they had put into the retreat: they raised funds, searched for available priest, retreat locations, and caterers, organized the Praise and Worship events, and took care of many administrative and technical details. In addition, we were grateful to the Lord to see many other youth participants coming to the retreat on their own will, without being coerced by their parents. Comparing them with the typical youths in our society, we believe that this is the work of the Holy Spirit.
The retreat was refreshing to our souls, although the topic was the same as the Inner Healing retreat previously held in Vancouver. The teaching was centered on the needs of serving in praying ministry for healing purposes.
Throughout the retreat, I felt the presence of the Most Holy Trinity. First, the Holy Spirit was present in each of us who went for the Sacrament of Confession or counseling with the Daughters of Carmel. All of us in the room yearned to have a clean heart and thirst for holiness. The line-ups were very long. Next, in the washing of the feet, we sensed the outpouring grace of mercy from the Holy Spirit and experienced healing and spiritual renewal as our feet were washed.
In the last event, during the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Lord answered my desire to have one of the Daughters of Carmel pray for me and lay hands on me. Sr. Theofila made the sign of the cross and blessed me. I felt it was Jesus who made the sign of the cross and blessed me, not Sr. Theofila. She stepped closer and began to speak in tongues. Then, before I realized what happened, I, too, began to speak in tongues in response to her prayer. I was so relaxed that my body felt as light as a feather. Then, I saw a bright light above my head and my face was facing upwards. God the Most Holy was there. I said to the Lord, “Let me see Your Face, O God Most Holy.” He answered, “Not today, my child. Later, when the time comes.” When the light started to fade, I tried to hold on to the light and answered “Yes, Lord Most Holy but let Your light be with me for a few moments longer.” My soul was filled with joy and peace while my eyes were filled with tears. The light left me and I went back to my seat. Afterwards, we sang Hymns of Worship. At the culmination of the Worship, everyone was singing in tongues and on the ceiling a multitude of Angels singing and flying around us.
With such extraordinary experiences, our spirits were recharged and renewed. We returned to our home in Vancouver with abundant joy and peace. “O Lord, Most Holy, we thank you for the extraordinary experiences and abundant grace we received in this retreat. It was very precious to experience your Presence with everyone: the priest, Daughters of Carmel, retreat organizers, and participants.” Thank you so much Lord for all your blessed.
Peace, Love, and Joy of Christ be with us now and always,
Prisca Widjaja