Saturday, January 17, the Australian Men’s Rosary Crusade hosted its first spiritual retreat “The Triumph of Her Heart” at The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy, Penrose Park. Despite the torrential rain and gloomy weather over 100 men attended, some coming from as far as Melbourne, Canberra and Goulbourn.
The day commenced with Holy Mass which was offered by Fr Joseph Maria who preached to the men present on the apparitions of Fatima, their spiritual significance and links to scripture as well as how these messages should be lived out in the spiritual life.
Following Mass, the men gathered for a period to share in a light breakfast and begin to become acquainted with one another. This was then proceeded by two inspiring talks by visiting international guest speaker Mr Hugo Bos. The first talk focused on the message of Fatima, her warning of chastisement and how Our Lady’s messages are still, if not more so relevant today. The second talk challenged the men on the virtue of chastity and how they could develop the virtue according to their state of life and to carefully consider how they presented, dressed and held themselves.
“Fashions will arise which will greatly offend Our Lord. Those who serve God should not follow fashions. The Church has no fashions. Our Lord is always the same.”
— Memoirs of Sr. Lucia
The presentation ended with a discussion of masculine Catholic figures who portrayed the virtue of chastity, with one being Godfrey of Bouillon, who attributed his strength, piety and valour to his chastity, highlighting that living chastely doesn’t diminish a man but empowers and dignifies him.
The men then gathered to socialise and share a meal graciously prepared by volunteers form the Knights of the Precious Blood.
Following a vibrant lunch, despite being contained indoors, due to the inclement weather the men gathered to hear Fr Johnson Joseph CRS preach on the Five First Saturdays Devotion and how the men could ensure to make it personal, intentional and authentically grounded in scripture as well as the sacraments.
The retreat concluded, with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by a Eucharistic procession led by Fr Joseph Maria within the Church of our Lady of Mercy. The men prayerfully processed with our Lord present in the Eucharist to each of the five side altars, whilst reciting the rosary, concluding the retreat with Solemn Benediction.
Despite the external and personal challenges faced throughout the day men proclaimed feeling strengthened, inspired and connected with other men to take bold steps to unapologetically live out their spiritual life, follow the message of Our lady of Fatima and proclaim the Gospel.
All the participants were armed with and given extra copies of resources to assist them in their personal and evangelising endeavour a book titled “The Rosary My Treasure” and a masculine how to pray the Holy Rosary card all specially produced for the retreat and the Australian Men’s Rosary Crusade movement.
We pray that the retreat emboldens the hearts of the men who attended to spread the devotion of the Holy Rosary, the First Saturday devotion and the Gospel. Especially to men who have retreated into the chaos of the world, who are called to lead, protect and love those who have been placed in their care by God Almighty.
Our Lady of Fatima …. Pray for Us
The talks were kindly recorded by Luigi from Gym Lifestyle Daily, see links below.
Australian Men’s Rosary Crusade – Fatima Conference
Our Lady of Fatima Chastisement – Hugo Boss
Five First Saturdays, This Devotion Saves Souls – Fr Johnson Joseph CRS