Three nights of spiritual teaching

DOMINICA

Parishioners gathered for three nights of a spiritually enriching teaching on prayer led by Bishop Kendrick Forbes last December 16–18. According to an Our Catholic Community report, the three-night teaching offered “a thoughtful and accessible exploration of prayer, inviting participants to deepen their personal relationship with God.”

Each night focused on a distinct theme, building on the previous session and guiding attendees into a fuller understanding of prayer.

On night one, Bishop Forbes reflected on the what, why, and how of prayer. “He emphasised that prayer is, at its heart, a conversation with God; that there is no strict technique. Instead, he encouraged the faithful to spend time with God in simple, sincere prayer, rooted in openness and trust.”

The second night centred on Psalm 13, a powerful psalm of lament. Bishop Forbes guided participants through the honesty of the psalmist’s cry, showing how prayer can hold expressions of pain, doubt, and hope all at once.

The diocesan monthly said that this session resonated deeply with many, highlighting that bringing struggles before God is “an authentic and necessary form of prayer.”

On the third and final night, the teaching focused on the forms of prayer as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Bishop Forbes outlined the richness and variety of prayer within the Church’s tradition, helping participants recognise the many ways prayer can be expressed in daily Christian life.

The event was well attended, with parishioners from various parishes coming together each night to watch the livestream and participate as a wider faith community.

Overall, the three nights of teaching were well received, and there is anticipation of similar events being offered in the future. Bishop Forbes himself described the experience as “personally rewarding”, expressing gratitude for the engagement and openness of the faithful.

The event served as a timely reminder that prayer, in its simplicity, remains at the heart of Christian life—an ongoing conversation with God that invites all to listen, speak, and grow in faith together.