“Men Need the Eucharist” Retreat in Lisbon Falls Draws Large Gathering
LISBON FALLS---"It is great to see nearly 100 men gather at the beginning of Lent to reflect on the gift of the Eucharist in the life of men.”
The words of Fr. Daniel Greenleaf, pastor of Prince of Peace Parish in Lewiston, succinctly describe a special event that drew a large gathering of men to Holy Trinity Church in Lisbon Falls on February 25 (additional pictures below).
The four-hour retreat was entitled “Men Need the Eucharist” and was presented by Fr. Greenleaf as well as Fr. Patrick Finn and Fr. Raja Thaniyel, HGN, parochial vicars of Prince of Peace.
“It not only was good for the participants, but it was especially good for the priests to be a part of it,” said Fr. Dan. “I was talking about the retreat to Fr. Patrick and Fr. Raja and we all agreed that is was very inspiring to us to see men care about their Catholic faith.”
Fr. Patrick spoke about the kind of conviction needed by men today to live eucharistic lives, while Fr. Raja explored the Eucharist as a means of growing in perfection (wholeness and completeness).
“I spoke on the Eucharist as a call for men to offer their lives in sacrifice with the Crucified Christ and so ‘consecrate the world to God,’” said Fr. Dan.
The day served as both an opportunity for the priests to live out their call to be spiritual fathers and for the parishioners to receive that guidance.
“We truly have dedicated and talent men who are generous with their time,” said Fr. Dan.
The gathering came during the National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year movement to restore understanding and devotion to the great mystery of faith and the source and summit of that faith: the Eucharist. A special web section dedicated to the Eucharistic Revival is available on the Diocese of Portland and will be updated continually over the coming months and years. The section examines the Eucharist in four ways (celebrated, adored, received, and lived), offering many resources and ideas on how you can participate in the renewal.
In addition, to help you on your Lenten journey, visit the Diocese of Portland’s Lent website. You will find Mass times, retreats, prayer opportunities, faith sharing groups, Bible study programs, Stations of the Cross listings, and many other materials like Saints of Lent, Lectio Divina, and Echoing God's Word.
