The Maronite Servants of Christ the Light presented a retreat
reflection on June 9 to the eighth grade students graduating from
Trinity Catholic Academy, Brockton. The retreat, held at Stonehill College, was hosted and facilitated by Fr. Carlos Suarez, parochial vicar in
the archdiocese of Boston, and focused on the students in their transition to
high school.
The retreat began with Divine Liturgy celebrated in the Chapel
of Our Lady of Sorrows with Fr. Carlos setting the tone for day by reminding
the students that they are the “salt of
the earth” (Mt 5:13), and are meant to bring the flavor of Christ to
others. Fr. Carlos elaborated on this
theme in the first reflection by reminding the teens that each person has an
infinite value and dignity as a child of God, and how things can often go wrong
in our lives when we forget to live up to this dignity.
Afterwards, Mother Marla Marie presented a retreat
reflection on being “enough”. Specifically, Mother Marla Marie explained how we
often hear the voice of our own insecurities telling us that we are not good
enough, or that we do not measure up in some way. Mother emphasized that we are
‘enough’ because God knows and sees everything, even the inner secrets of our
hearts, and he loves us as we are, despite our limitations and mistakes. Mother
encouraged the students, as they make their transition, to always stay anchored
in the love that God has for them, so that regardless of the trials that may
come, they will always know that the Father has them in the palm of His hands
(cf. Is 49: 16).