On Holy Thursday 2026 five young women were happy to participate in a discernment retreat at St Anne’s Home London.
During the weekend we learnt that: “Discernment” is a precious gift that helps us align our lives with God’s Will and make decisions that lead to holiness and fulfilment. Through prayer, reflection, and spiritual guidance, we can learn to recognize God’s voice and follow His path for our lives. Each of the youth had a deep desire to live a truly Christian life and grow in relationship with God.
Several Little sisters participated at the event happy to pray and share their life experiences with the youth during mealtimes and on other occasions. At 3pm the group arrived. 4 pm there was a meeting to welcome each one and distribute the program for the event. The Mass at 5pm was a time of grace. At 8 pm to 12h we were invited to spend time in the chapel making a vigil. For most of the group this was the first time they had the occasion to stay with the Lord and contemplate the mystery of the passion. A booklet was provided with some spiritual readings and hymns.
We visited the garden, prayed at the Statue of St Anne, stopped also at the beautiful statue of Jeanne Jugan thanking Jeanne for answering God’s call. At the Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes, we prayed for peace in the world.
On Good Friday we shared our thoughts concerning the Lord’s passion and appreciated the fact that we had a booklet explaining how we celebrate Good Friday and what penance and fasting is required during this sacred time. Some themes were, The meaning of the Cross, On suffering and compassion, forgiveness, discipleship, hope and renewal.
At 11am we were invited to follow Christ during the stations of the Cross. At 3 pm the service of the Passion was a solemn time. The priests were available to meet the youth during the day.
In the evening the group watched the Film “Son of God”. The film was a preparation for our union with Christ in his suffering.
On Holy Saturday the group and four Little Sisters went on a pilgrimage walk with Mary meditating on the “seven Sorrows of Our Lady” The PILGRIMS visited seven Churches. St Mary’s Church, Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, St Andrews Church, Woodberry Down Church, and St Ignatius Church. A visit to Clissold Park enabled everyone to thank God for the gift of creation. Each one asked for the gift of wisdom to see all things from God’s point of view and abide in the surety of His Love.
There was a session to explain the use of keeping a spiritual Journal, this can help in deepening our spiritual journey through us to allowing us to be honestly reflect on our day-to-day life and prayerfully note what stands out for us. Kinga a Jeanne Jugan Associate prepared a gift bag containing a notebook and pen that could be used for completing the journal, A bracelet, cross and picture of Jeanne Jugan were appreciated by each one.
AT 7-30 pm Everyone was assembled for the Easter Vigil. We were fortunate to have three priests to concelebrate the Mass. Father Dainiel Magnier sang the Exultet with great expression.
As we renewed our baptismal promises we thanked God for the gift of our faith. The event was really a time of grace and blessings. The group enjoyed each other’s company and felt at home in St Anne’s. We look forward to the next event
