BIS #2758 THE LABYRINTH IN THE ARABIAN GULF

NORTHERN ARABIAN VICARIATE, JANUARY 09, 2012: The Catechists in Northern Arabian Vicariate have an ongoing formation programme planned and conducted by Rev. Fr. Francisco Pereira sdb, who is the catechetical Director for the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia. As a part of the formation programme, on Saturday January 08, 2012 a  retreat, called "The Labyrinth, a spiritual journey" was organized for the catechists of the St. Therese of the child Jesus parish, from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
The retreat recreates a garden experience of entering a garden and enjoying visiting ones favourite spots relaxing, reflecting and enjoying. It was a spiritual exercise comprising of ten rooms which one encounters on the journey. The rooms were set up to lead the participant to reflect on different areas of their life. The journey had two parts. The first part was an inward journey of knowing one's own self and finding true peace.  The second part was an outward journey of taking a look at our relationship with others and our contribution towards making the world a better place. The retreat comprised of talks and reflections by Fr. Pereira. The main talk was "The Looks of Jesus" and a reflection on the song "beautiful as you." There were many more thought provoking songs and presentations. The afternoon was dedicated to the sacrament of Reconciliation followed by the Eucharist. A special flower mass was celebrated towards the end. Each participant was given a flower during mass and was reminded that we are all as beautiful as a flower.
Lunch and tea was served to the participants. Sixty three catechists attended the retreat and found it to be a unique and refreshing experience. All the participants thanked Fr. Franco profusely and requested him to conduct more often.