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| Fr. Jorge Miramontes |
WATERLOO — Holy Family Parish in Waterloo is offering the second in a series of Light of the World Retreats on November 7 to 10. The event is open to anyone in the Diocese of Madison.
The retreat will be held on Friday evening, Nov. 7; all day Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8 to 9; and Monday evening, Nov. 10.
Seeking a deeper faith
The Light of the World Evangelization Process promotes parish outreach to welcome back those who have strayed from the Church, while inviting all those who seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
Beyond a weekend retreat, Light of the World supports participants’ long-term faith journey with small group support, continuing spiritual education, and engagement as disciples.
This retreat will be proclaimed by Fr. Jorge Miramontes, pastor of Holy Family Parish; Holy Family Parish members who attended the parish’s first Light of the World Retreat; and two of the national Light of the World team of lay men and women.
The retreat leaders weave their own witness into the message of salvation in order to make it real and personal for their fellow participants.
Abundant graces
Father Miramontes reported that since the first retreat last May, Holy Family Parish has had a Tuesday night small group of 17 to 19 people that meets weekly.
Describing the past retreat’s participants, he said, “All of them received something from the Holy Spirit. Not one person that lives a retreat leaves without something from God, unless the person bluntly rejects the graces given by God.
“All receive graces ABUNDANTLY, because when the Lord gives, he abundantly gives. Some have received an immediate conversion of heart. They have discovered that they were keeping something hidden from God, and so through the retreat they, through the light of the truth of Christ, have seen that they need to bring everything before the Lord so as to become clean, pure, and ultimately holy.
“Some are unpacking the gifts of the Holy Spirit little by little according to their capacities, capacities given by God himself, and then little by little, they discover what God wants from them.
“As a pastor and spiritual director, watching all this unfold — the action of the Holy Spirit on his people — is a privilege and leaves me at awe and sometimes in disbelief.”
Parish has changed
Father Miramontes has also seen his parish change. “There’s a peace about the parish that underlies our works; it goes deeper than our awareness, and it’s hard to disturb,” he said.
“Through peace, we, as a parish become aware more and more of the action of the Holy Spirit in our midst through the Eucharist.
“Without peace, it is really hard to pay attention to what God is doing. Good things are coming to the parish because the parish little by little is opening itself to the action of the Holy Spirit.
“I might not be able to see the end result — the fruits — but I pray that I do because it will be something to behold.”
Effects on pastor
He even admitted he has changed because of the experience. “It humbles me when I see that is not me per se that does the heavy spiritual work but Our Lord. Sometimes the Lord says to me ‘Out of the way, Padre, I’m working here.’
“Sometimes the Lord allows me to see how the people that have lived the retreat see Jesus through me, an alter Christus. That is also very humbling. Just by being a witness to the work of Christ though his Holy Spirit is enough to help increase my faith and help my unbelief.”
Being on fire for Jesus Christ and his Church
Father Miramontes and his retreat leaders are excited about the upcoming retreat and hope that people take them up on the offer. He discussed the benefits he sees for those who participate.
“More people encountering Our Lord in a close and personal way! More conversions, more people hungry for the Lord, more fruits of the Spirit, more people on fire for the Lord and for their parish.
“The Lord wishes for all parishes to be on fire. He came to set them on fire, and how I wish they would burn on fire for Jesus Christ and his Church.”
To register, call the Holy Family Parish office at 920-478-2032.