Our Lady of the Way - Our Lady of the Way
Bethlehem to Egypt to Nazareth
Updated: Dec 25, 2022
Continue along the Way of Mary and Joseph with Christ the King
8-Day Self-Directed Retreat
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary
Preparing for Your Self-Directed Retreat
Put aside a personal prayer time in the morning and the evening. The morning for the prayer reading and contemplation on these mysteries. In the Evening, in your reflection time review the morning’s mystery and the day's graces taking them into an Examen.
Ignatian Prayer of Preparation
The Desired Graces for the Retreat
For the Retreat we ask for the graces to expand our joy, and deepen our love as we come to experience the peace given within these mysteries.
You may have additional special graces you are desiring. Share them with the Lord.
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The Plan for Each Day
A. Beginning your prayer time: At the beginning each prayer period, offering yourself to the Lord. Prayer of “Take and Receive”
Take Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding, and my entire will,
all that I have and possess.
Thou hast given all to me.
To Thee, O Lord, I return it.
All is Thine, dispose of it wholly according to Thy will.
Give me Thy love and thy grace, for this is sufficient for me.
Amen
Or consider writing your own offering of yourself, your thoughts , desires and actions ( your head, heart and hands).
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B. Read slowly the mystery and pray attentively using all of your faculties - faith and feelings - your interior senses, imagination, recall – as you pray with each section.
Reflection questions for consideration: What do you sense were the experiences of Mary and Joseph that night; or the shepherds' and the Magi's visit? The naming of Jesus - who was there Anne and Joachim Mary's parents, their reactions as grandparents? At the presentation in the Temple imagine Anna's and Simeon's delights? Sense the strength of Joseph as they traveled along the way and how they lived as refugees in Egypt? What are your reactions of 'seeing' Mary and Joseph hearing the news of the slaughter of the innocences?
Imagine being present there along the way - what do you see, hear, touch, smell? Where are you on this journey?
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C. Close your prayer time with your own words ( a colloquy) followed by a vocal formal prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary or Glory Be).
D. At the end of each prayer period, note down your experiences on what were your insights, feelings, thoughts, images and memories that came up for you. Savor the graces.
E. In the Evening review the day’s events with an Examen and reflect on the graces of the morning’s prayer time affected your day. Savor the graces. Close this time with your own words.
F. Repetition for St. Ignatius is a way to deepen the graces received. If you have completed the Advent retreat, you will find 3 repetitions here.
The Mysteries
The gospels were written as an account of time past so we may know the truth.
Day 1 : Luke 2: 1-7 The Birth of Jesus
The Light of World in Peace
Day 2 : Luke 2: 8-20 Announcement to the Shepherds
Glory to God in the highest - Spreading the Good News
Day 3 : Matt 2: 1-12 Magi Visits the Messiah
Bringing Our Gifts
Day 4 : Luke 2:21 Naming of Christ
The names of our Lord Jesus
Day 5: Luke 2: 22-38 Presentation in the Temple
Those who were waiting
Day 6: Matt 2: 13-15 The Flight to Egypt
Obedience
Day 7: Matt 2: 16-18 The Massacre of the Infants
In Today's World
Day 8 : Matt 2 : 19-23 The Return from Egypt
Trust