About the Activity
In 2023 the Annual Parish Retreat will be held from Friday 6 October until Sunday 8 October at the Bezinningscentrum Emmaus in Helvoirt – near Den Bosch. LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER- SPACES ARE STILL AVAILABLE!!!
You can see a video about the venue (in Dutch) here.
The theme is “A Weekend Rest with Jesus”, and the retreat will be led by Dr. Wilson Angelo Espiritu.
Wilson started inspiring people as a young leader through his talks and seminars on leadership, team building, self-improvement, and spirituality. He has been invited as a resource speaker, program designer, and facilitator to different workshops. Schools, youth organizations, and parish groups are among those who have received retreats and recollections from him.
He obtained his PhD in Theology and STD from KU Leuven. His expertise is in systematic theology, fundamental and political theology, spirituality, and religious education. At present, he is assistant professor with an early career research grant at the Theology Department of the Ateneo de Manila University.
Wilson is married to Ma. Adeinev Reyes-Espiritu, an expert in Bibliodrama and a theologian like him. They are blessed with two kids, Iesu and Pieter. They hail from the Philippines, but currently live in Leuven, Belgium.
A short synopsis of what you may expect:
- The weekend begins on Friday after lunch (3:00 PM) and ends on Sunday after lunch (1:00 PM). It will include Friday evening Mass, daily workshops and discussions, and free time for reflection and relaxation. The weekend concludes with lunch after the celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Sunday morning.
Attendance at group sessions is for you to decide and is not mandatory.
The leaders of the retreat in recent years were:
- 2022: Fr. Ad van der Helm with the theme “A multidimensional reflection on sacraments.”
- 2021: Fr. David K. Tolno with the theme “Fratelli Tutti”, in reference to Fratelli Tutti (All Brothers), the third encyclical of Pope Francis, focused on fraternity and social friendship.
- 2020: Fr. David K. Tolno with the theme “Who do you say I am” (Matthew 16:15, NIV)
- 2019: Fr. Dominic O’Toole, Pastor of the Vienna English Speaking Catholic Community, with the topic “Wanted: Friends and Footwashers”.
Registration for the retreat is now open!
Scroll down below for photos of the venue and testimonials.
Testimonials of Past Parish Retreat Attendees