Advent Recollection Inspires Hope and Faith at Carmelaram, Bengaluru
The Carmelaram CRI organized an inspiring Advent Recollection on December 14, 2024, at the Rosarian Campus in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Church, Carmelaram. Hosted by the Rosarian Fathers and Brothers, the event drew around 300 participants from diverse communities across the campus. The recollection began at 3:00 PM with an introductory address by Rev. Fr. Louis CP, the CRI Carmelaram President. He welcomed the gathering and introduced the keynote speaker, Very Rev. Fr. S. Justin Raj CR, the Prior General of the Rosarian Congregation.
Fr. Justin Raj’s talk, centered on the theme “Hope Doesn’t Disappoint” (Romans 5:5), resonated deeply with the attendees. Pilgrims of hope. “Hope does not disappoint us. Because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us”. Rom 5:5
Psalm 24: 1-2, “To you O Lord, I lift up my soul. I trust in you, let me not be disappointed; do not let my enemies triumph. Those who hope in you shall not be disappointed, but only those wantonly break faith. Our Holy Founder of the Congregation of the Rosarians Servant of God B.A. Thomas says, “What then is Hope? A faith that dares to move.
There are many examples for this,
- The story of Abraham and Isaac is told in Genesis 22:6-14. God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son and he dared to do it.
- The story of David and Goliath is told in 1 Samuel 17:1-58. David dared to face Goliath hoping that “The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine”.
- A shepherd boy who later became King of Israel, kills Goliath, a Philistine giant, with a slingshot and a rock.
- Blessed Virgin Mary at Annunciation:
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” Luke 1:38.
In this verse, Mary is expressing her willingness to do God’s will, in complete trust and submission. That was possible for Her, because she had daring Faith that is Hope against Hope. She hoped that what God has promised Her will be fulfilled definitely, that was brought to successful completion with the cooperation of Mary to the will of God.
- Simple example; Many of you may know the story of boy who went to pray for rain with an umbrella also wearing a jerkin.
Our Holy Founder Servant of God B.A. Thomas:
What is the ground of my hope? The infinite goodness and mercy of God is the sole ground of my hope and confidence.
When do we in need of Hope? why do we need Hope?
When we meet with problems, such as weakness, temptations, failings, disappointments, difficulties, criticisms, inability, etc. in life.
Our Holy Father Francis, chose the theme for the Jubilee year, The Pilgrims of Hope: This is an invitation to share the hope of the Christian faith with the world, especially during this time of suffering from war, poverty, climate change, and the COVID pandemic etc. As we look around our world today, it can be rather difficult to find that sense of hope.
- Hopeless situation can lead someone to quit, even to commit suicide.
- Hope leads to new life and new horizon and beyond.
How do we come out of our hopelessness to Hope?
To move on or to overcome the situation of weakness etc. Life and their struggle in living the faith and face to hopelessness in lives. One has to surrender everything to God’s love and returns to his good faith once again. Therefore, Hope helps us to retain our good faith or renew and deepen our faith and builds it to be stronger.
The Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee presents each one of us with an opportunity to reignite the flame of our faith in our own hearts and to share the light of that faith with those in darkness. There are plenty of opportunities and resources to help you observe this special year of grace in our institutions, society, parish and diocese level.
Isaiah 40:31 “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.”
Psalm 33:16-22 “The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine”
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”.
Our Holy Founder Servant of God B.A. Thomas: What is Faith? The happy rest of Love.” We just surrender everything to God and enjoy [be joyful] His Love all the moment of our lives. “The joy of the Lord is our strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). To Blessed Virgin MARY; Joy was her strength. Only joy could have given her the strength to go in haste over the hills of Judea to do the work of a handmaid for her cousin.
Pilgrims of hope: it is a journey to be completed in good faith, Trusting in God, with love. Our HOPE should be that of St. Paul: Phil 1:6. “I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally completed / fulfilled on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Therefore, let us have HOPE and go forth with JOY to be the LIGHT OF HOPE to many who are in hopeless situation of life.
He concluded his preaching with God bless you all with FULL OF HOPE. The recollection continued with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament led by Fr. M. Jayaraj CR, during which participants availed themselves of the sacrament of confession. The spiritual atmosphere culminated with the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, leaving participants deeply moved and spiritually rejuvenated.
In his vote of thanks, Fr. Louis CP expressed gratitude to Fr. Justin Raj for his inspiring message and to the Rosarian Generalate and Training Centre Communities for their meticulous arrangements. The day concluded with refreshments, fostering fellowship and community spirit.
This Advent Recollection was a profound experience of togetherness, blessings, and faith, reminding all attendees to carry the light of hope into the world.
