Metanoia Listening Center hosted the Lenten retreat of Caritas South, where Father Joe Eid spoke on whether hope is an illusion or a reality, followed by sharing circles and the Divine Liturgy at Our Lady of Mantara.
Metanoia Listening Center welcomed the Caritas South family for its annual retreat in the blessed season of Lent, in the presence of its general chaplain, Father Charles Swaya.
The retreat was led by Father Joe Eid of the Maronite Archdiocese of Sidon, professor of Sacred Scripture at the Faculty of Theology of Antonine University and a member of the Biblical Federation.
The day opened with prayer led by Father Charles Swaya. Father Eid then gave his talk, "Hope: illusion or reality?" – an invitation to discover one's identity and how to face the other and the crises of daily life. He stressed not being afraid of the other who is different from us, or of an environment unlike our own, because building does not happen only with those who resemble us or share our beliefs and ideas. Go towards the other with God, not on your own, otherwise you will fall. Difference also helps love grow.
After a break, the participants divided into four sharing circles for an hour, discussing questions drawn from the talk. After a shared meal they gathered again, and Father Eid answered their questions and responded to the conclusions they had reached in the circles.
The day ended with the Divine Liturgy at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mantara.
