2024 CRS Boston Lenten Day of Reflection,

February 24, at St. Ignatius Church, Chestnut Hill 

Reported by David Brooks, CRS Boston Council member

Over 40 people attended this Spirit-filled, anointed day.  It was truly an encounter with the living God - Abba, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Our day began with a full hour of anointed praise and worship in the chapel led by Matteo Filippi and team - Matteo's mother Janice, and his spouse Audrey. We then paired off for a time of personal prayer, followed by our two main speakers on the theme for the day:  "Our Call to be a Light in the Darkness," stories of sharing the Good News.  Our first speaker, Catherine Duggan, of St. John the Evangelist prayer group in Chelmsford, spoke of loving the other person as the foundation for all sharing of the Good News, and gave practical advice on how to share.  Matteo, of Maranatha prayer group in Everett, told many stories of being led by the Holy Spirit to share the gospel and pray with various persons.  Matteo then anointed us individually with oil, praying over us, laying on hands, animated by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as words of knowledge.  This was an extraordinary time of grace, as everyone remained in prayer during the anointing.  When Matteo finished the anointing, assisted by Romanus Ajaero, the Director of CRSBoston, the pastor of St. Ignatius, Fr. Jim Erps, SJ, presided at Mass, assisted by the music ministry.

After lunch, we gathered again in the chapel for adoration with the monstrance on the altar, followed by heart-felt sharing of many of the attendees on what they experienced on the day.  After the blessed sacrament was reposed, a final song concluded our day.

One long-time charismatic prayer group member shared that this was the best  charismatic gathering she had ever attended.  Amen, hallelujah!!

 During the day Jeannine Szax received the following poem which she shared with the group.

2/24/2024
Pray, Listen, and Obey
By Jeannine Desrochers Szax

My little children shine for all to see.
Be my source of love and unity.
I’ve removed the chains and set you free.
Pour your joy into each community.

Pray, listen, and obey each day.
It’s not enough to know; you must act.
Only if you do things my way,
Will you have the power to interact!

Come to me, my children; hear my call.
Become obedient; do not stall.
It is I who loves you most of all.
Attach yourself to me so you won’t fall.

Become my Alleluia people!
Pour my joy into the hearts of others.
You are here to spread my hope and the gospel.
Unite all your sisters and brothers!

Cathreine Duggan and Sheila King shared the following photos of the day