The success of online retreats, year after year, cannot be denied. They have become supports in preparing for Christmas for many believers. Among these proposals, the site Pray in Church (Bayard) offers an Advent calendar from “The joy of Love”, the apostolic exhortation of Pope Francis on the family.
Around Pope Francis’ exhortation on the family
A daily email highlights an extract from the text or a catechesis of the Pope, and suggestions for preparing Christmas, alone, with the family, with cooking recipes, crafts, songs, tales, music, games … Each morning, the Internet user can join in a prayer time live, or in replay, from the Assumptionist chapel, from Monday to Friday at 7.15 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
Among the most popular online courses, retirement “Advent in the city”, hosted by the Dominicans, has chosen as its theme this year: “Born of a woman”. Coordinated by Brother Philippe Verdin, it was entrusted to four preachers and will offer a meditation on the mystery of the Incarnation and redemption. Sister Anne Lécu and philosopher Martin Steffens will echo the theme through their dialogues. Each morning, the retreatant can experience the lauds prayer sung by the Dominican friars in Bordeaux. The little singers of the North also offer Christmas carols.
L’work of vocations in Île-de-France offers a journey on the theme of peace in the Bible. This retreat is guided by Father Vincent Thiallier, vocations delegate for the diocese of Paris. Three times a week, audio meditations will guide Internet users from the Old Testament to the Beatitudes.
More specifically for young people, Pontifical missionary works – with the Hozana site – are addressed to them, offering them the opportunity to discover the life of a young saint every day. Every Sunday, a missionary meditation written by Mgr Georges Colomb, bishop of La Rochelle and Saintes and national director of the OPM, will complete the course.
The Carmelites from the province of Paris offer a retreat to the school of two women: Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and Maria Montessori. “One leads the Church to childhood, the other the child to the Church. “ Each Friday, registered Internet users will receive a meditation based on the Gospel and texts by Thérèse and Maria Montessori, a short video, practical tips as well as the podcast of the week.
For young people, couples and families
The new site of the Jesuits ” Pray on the way He chose an Advent retreat from the prophets of the Old Testament. Each week, a prophet will be in the spotlight through a theme, meditations, works of art, prayers or even practical exercises.
For couples who want to prepare for Christmas, the association Living in love offers an adapted route sending each day of Advent an inspiring image, a word, a short meditation and a proposal for action to enter as a couple into the hope of Christmas.
For its part, the fraternity Notre-Dame Mère de la lumière is offering a “season 2” of its journey. “In Advent for Christmas”. Each morning a short program will give the floor to many speakers, including Fathers René-Luc and Franck Legros, Sister Emmanuel Maillard, Benjamin Pouzin from the Glorious group, etc. Echoing their intervention, a challenge will be launched to Internet users and gifts will be put into play every day.
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