Last night was the orientation meeting for the first 33 Days to Morning Glory group retreat at our parish. I have a good feeling about this retreat. More than a decade ago (without going into detail) I found myself in a wonderfully new and eye opening relationship with our Blessed Mother. When I first read the book by Fr. Michael Gaitley, I found it appealing and it inspired me to acquire more knowledge about the four Marian saints he emphasizes in this work; Saint Louis de Montfort, Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Saint Pope John Paul II. My excitement about facilitating this group retreat program at our parish has mounted over the past week to a near feverish level. We were able to accept all those able to make the retreat and have a few who had conflicts on a wait-list for the next retreat opportunity. The group seems open and willing to share.
On our first day of reading and pondering, please keep all of our participants in your prayers, that they may find the time to read, ponder, and reflect on what is before them. That their hearts and minds are open to the potential benefits of this program. And that for all of us, this will lead to greater things — even sainthood!