Pope Francis and Curia members begin Lenten retreat
Pope Francis and other members of the Roman Curia began their annual spiritual retreat on the first Sunday of Lent yesterday. The retreat is taking place in the town of Ariccia, in the Pauline Fathers Casa Divin Maestro centre, about 20 miles south of Rome. The Pope is staying there, along with other members of the Roman Curia, from Sunday to Friday.
The priest who is leading the spiritual exercises is Carmelite Father Bruno Secondin. The reflections will focus on the roots of the Christian faith and the inner strength to live it out consistently.They will also look at embracing an encounter with God and spreading the Gospel.
After travelling to the centre by coach, at 6pm Francis participated in Eucharistic Adoration and the celebration of Vespers, listening to Fr Bruno's introduction in which he reflected on the invitation to 'leave your own ‘village’.
Today they focused on Elijah's 'school of mercy' and following his example of leading a 'life on the periphery', after a Eucharistic celebration on the theme: 'Go East, hide yourself and return to your roots'.
During the retreat, Pope Francis will have no public meetings or audiences.
Source: VIS