Faithful encouraged to get ‘back to basics’ at Lenten Revival

DOMINICA

Our Lady of Assumption parish successfully hosted its Lenten Revival from March 6–8 at the Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux-Fort. The theme Back to Basics was delivered by internationally renowned Fr Maurice Nutt CSsR, a Redemptorist priest from New Orleans, USA. Each night’s programme commenced with the Rosary, praise/worship segment and preaching.

A report from Kerian Calixte described a packed gathering which grew from the second night as people came from far and near, including Castries, Micoud, Laborie, and surrounding Vieux-Fort communities.

Monday night’s (March 6) message, taken from Mark 10:46–52 (Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus) was ‘Expecting the unexpected’.

“We were reminded to have faith and the ability to put our needs before God in order to receive His blessings,” Calixte shared.

Tuesday’s message from Luke 15:11–32 (The Prodigal Son) was entitled, ‘You can always come back home’. Fr Nutt expressed when we Christians make mistakes, do the wrong things, or stray away and engage in sinfulness, it is important to acknowledge one’s sinfulness as God is always ready to welcome us back home. As Christians, he stressed, it is important to say, ‘I’m sorry’, accept one’s blame and ask for forgiveness.

Wednesday’s message from Luke 17:12–19 (Jesus heals ten lepers) was on showing gratitude. Fr Nutt reminded those gathered to express gratitude to others and to God for all that He has done.

“To put it simply, going back to basics was all about saying ‘I love you’, ‘I am sorry’, and ‘thank you’.”

Calixte described Fr Nutt as vibrant, energetic, and theatrical. “He was on fire!” She commented his style of delivery was interactive as he incorporated dramatisation, and elicited the participation of the gathering which made it “all the more enriching.” Fr Nutt, Calixte said, creatively applied local examples to emphasise his messages and was impactful.

“Another highlight was when he called all the young people and children forward to recognise and pray over them. It was a time for spiritual renewal as he prayed, anointed and blessed those who were present.”

Persons were encouraged to practise acts of love and gratitude. The consensus expressed was that people were spiritually nourished. They also indicated that they wished the revival was more than the three days.