Metanoia Listening Center and families of the diocese joined a day retreat in Deir El-Qamar, led by Marie-Thérèse and Jean Barbara of the Charismatic Renewal, on God's plan, communication, differences and intimacy in marriage.
As part of the ongoing cooperation between the Family Committees of the Greek Melkite Catholic Diocese of Sidon and Deir El-Qamar and of the Maronite Diocese of Sidon, Metanoia Listening Center and families of the diocese accepted the invitation of the Family Committee of the parish of Our Lady of the Hill in Deir El-Qamar and the Charismatic Renewal movement to a retreat on "Renewal in Marriage" on Saturday 20 September 2025, from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, in the parish theater of Our Lady of the Hill.
The retreat was led by Marie-Thérèse and Jean Barbara, leaders in the Charismatic Renewal movement, who spoke about essential topics that strengthen the marriage relationship, including:
• God's plan
• Effective communication between spouses
• Dealing with differences and obstacles
• Intimacy and affection in married life.
In the first talk we meditated on God's plan and the true reasons for marriage: becoming one flesh, "the family"; committed love; mutual service; and mission – above all, love. The four words for love in Scripture were explained: eros, storge, philia and agape, the highest form of love in the Bible.
The second talk was about communication and dialogue: the need for communication in marriage, how to achieve it and what to talk about. The Barbaras developed the theme through practical exercises on how to communicate, what to do and what not to do, and the habits we can let go of in the way we communicate – since communication is a two-way road.
The third talk was about differences and obstacles: discovering them and dealing with them, highlighting how men and women think and how each approaches the same problem, and offering better ways to resolve these differences.
The fourth and final talk was titled "Intimacy and Affection in Marriage." Affection is part of the blessing and joy God gives to marriage and can express married love and care between spouses. They also discussed ways of showing affection in marriage and guiding principles for sexuality.
The day included several breaks during which participants got to know one another over coffee, and everyone shared a meal together.
This retreat is an opportunity for each couple to find time for rest, reflection and prayer together, renewing their relationship with God and with each other.
