Our Lady of Mercy hosts series of talks led by local priests
By Josh Tng
BURNABY
Reconciliation and sacrifice are the number one topics for some parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy.
The Indonesian Catholic Society of B.C. is hosting several presentations on repentance, the sacrament of confession, and prayer during this Lenten season.
“Confession is a very important topic and I think more people really want to know more about it,” said Anni Dorrius, the event coordinator and a member of the Indonesian community.
With the Lenten focus on renewal and cleansing, Dorrius found the perfect opportunity to invite various local priests to discuss the importance of Lent, as well as the activities that make the season what it is.
“I consulted with my priest (Father Nicolas Tumbelaka) to get input with him about the topics,” she said. When she called the various priests, she offered them a choice from the selection of determined topics or of their own choice. All the priests decided on the predetermined topics. Dorrius recalled how Father Rudolf d’Souza, OCD, had requested the topic of prayer because “it’s our speciality” as Carmelites.
Every Friday from March 3 – April 7, a different priest will present a Lenten topic in the Our Lady of Mercy school gymnasium (except for March 24, which will be held in the church) from 7:30-9 p.m.
Speakers include Father d’Souza, the regional superior of the Carmelites, Father Gary Franken, the archdiocesan vicar general, and Father Gilbert Nunez, the Redemptorist Mater seminary rector. Each session opens with praise and worship, before beginning the presentations.
The purpose of the talks is to help those in attendance “deepen their faith, prepare for Easter, and gain more understanding about the Catholic faith,” Dorrius said. “I hope that this event will move more people to deepen their faith and make a spiritual renewal during the Lent season for a journey to the glory of Easter.”
Dorrius organized last year’s Lenten series, which drew more than 100 people, and found the overall process “a very rewarding ministry.”
There will be adoration and Mass before each session in the church. More information is available from Dorrius at 604-468-9045.
