Online Lenten retreat for separated and divorced

As the Church continues into the Jubilee Year, the word ‘hope’ is being thrown around everywhere, but do we truly understand it?

Recognising the need for a deeper reflection, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon led the online Retreat for 61 persons who are Separated and Divorced, on March 24, to explore the true meaning of hope and how, as Scripture assures us, “hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5).

Unlike optimism, which depends on circumstances, hope is rooted in God’s unchanging faithfulness. It is a theological virtue, a “superpower” infused by God through Baptism.

One participant reflected, “I will ask God through His Holy Spirit to infuse my heart with the gift of hope.” Others found strength in knowing that even when dreams shatter, God remains their anchor.

Hope requires trust, surrender, and daily reliance on God’s grace. Many reflected on their tendency to rely on themselves, acknowledging the need to surrender to God. One insight captured this shift: “I’ve often relied on myself…this is not consistent with living in hope. I need to surrender to the Lord.”

Through reflections on Hebrews 6:19-20, participants embraced hope as an anchor, firm and secure. The Archbishop’s explanation of hope versus optimism deeply resonated, leading one attendee to conclude, “Even if things get worse and worse, God is still present. He is the anchor of my soul.”

Some participants arrived burdened by uncertainty, yet they left with a renewed sense of purpose. One shared, “I thought divorce barred me from receiving Communion. Thank you for the clarification.”

The Church teaches that a divorced Catholic who is in a state of grace and living a chaste life (not having sexual relations with someone who is not their lawful spouse) and with a desire to live in accord with Church teaching, can receive Communion.

Another expressed relief that the Church is opening conversations on this reality, saying, “As a young, divorced Catholic, you often feel alone.”

The retreat offered clarity, healing, and the reassurance that God never abandons His children. Hope is life’s lifeline, stretching from here to Heaven.

To find out more about the ministry to persons who are separated and divorced, please contact your parish Family Life Unit or AFLC at familylife@catholictt.org; phone: 299-1047.