Marian Lenten retreat scheduled

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WEST HAVEN — Saint Mary Parish and the Utah Village of the Militia of the Immaculata will continue their Marian Lenten series this year with “The Fiat of Mary” retreat on March 4-5. The theme, chosen by pastor Father Martin Picos, focuses on the Virgin Mary’s complete and immediate acceptance of God’s will for her.

It provides a powerful example for Utah Catholics today, MI representative Donna Masek said.

“Our hope is that after seeing Our Lady’s example throughout her whole life and how she was ever obedient to God’s holy will, that by inviting her into our spiritual lives in a deeper way, through a total consecration, she will be a strong prayer and support and advocate for us to then also do God’s will and say ‘yes’ to whatever God is asking of us as well,” Masek said.

The retreat hours on Friday afternoon will be spent in prayer and reflection to prepare for Saturday’s all-day event. Participants will be provided with reflection questions for discernment throughout the evening. They also are invited to the parish’s Lenten services of Adoration, Stations of the Cross, Confession and Liturgy of the Hours.

On Saturday, after an opening Mass or Communion Service followed by morning prayer, four talks will be presented by two Father Kolbe Missionaries of the Immaculata: Ada Locatelli and Jillian Cooke. The talks are titled “Attentive Listening” – how people can be attentive to God’s holy will in their lives; “Fear Not” – following the direction of God with courage; “Fiat Forever” – docility to the Holy Spirit that Our Lady exhibited not only from the conception of Christ but throughout his life to the Cross, and “The Spirituality of Total Consecration to the Immaculata in the Spirit of St. Maximilian Kolbe.”

Periodically throughout the day, attendees may join in Adoration, the Angelus and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. The retreat will culminate with a 5 p.m. Mass to be celebrated by Fr. Picos, followed by the opportunity to make a Total Consecration to Mary. Participants also will receive a Miraculous Medal and be invited to enroll in the Militia of the Immaculata.

“We hope that this will be a good, prayerful, reflective event for people to participate in as they begin their Lenten journey,” Masek said.

A light evening meal on Friday and continental breakfast and light lunch on Saturday will be offered. The parish’s Council of Catholic Women will furnish the refreshments. There is no cost for the retreat. Registration at angels.gardenning@gmail.com is recommended.