‘Limitless’: Men renew faith and fellowship on diocesan retreat

^{Source: Diocese of Nottingham}

More than 40 men, from across the Diocese of Nottingham, journeyed together in faith on March 28th, as they met for a day retreat in the beautiful surroundings of Mount St Bernard’s Abbey.

The retreat, entitled ‘Limitless,’ was led by Canon Chris Thomas and there was time for Confessions, Mass and Stations of the Cross.

During one of his addresses, Canon Chris reflected on the Gospel story of Jesus, healing the man born blind. He said: “The problem with limits is that we often feel hemmed in by them. We feel constrained by past mistakes, habits, fears, responsibilities. But the first of our Gospels today, the Man born Blind in John 9, is not just about physical healing, in fact, it’s not a healing sign at all, it is about identity, transformation, courage and mission. It is about a man who begins in darkness and ends as a witness who cannot be silenced. And if we are honest, that’s the journey our Lord Jesus wants for each of us.”

He later concluded: “Looking at this Gospel gives us insight into breaking the boundaries that limit us as disciples. Being limitless does not mean you have no struggles, weaknesses or you reach perfection. It means that we are not defined by these things. What being limitless means is seeing with faith, acting with courage and living with purpose.”

The men present, also heard powerful testimonies of faith from two men who had be recently received into the Church.

One of the men talked about how as a teenager he pursued a hedonistic and reckless path but how the later loss of his sister and her husband in the space of one year, had a huge impact on him, as they left behind a six-year-old son. He and his wife began to grow in faith, thanks to the faith legacy of this deceased couple and four years ago, he converted to Catholicism.

The retreat was organised by the Department for Adult Formation and Mission. Joe Hopkins, who directs the department said: “There is an ever-greater need in our society for men to know their value and vocation and the Church in her wisdom has so much to offer in this respect.

“The men’s retreat was a wonderful opportunity, not only for prayer and meditation but also for fraternal connection. The testimonies and meditation provided were so inspiring and reminded those present that through all the pressures of modern life, God is constant and faithful.”