Our parish community recently concluded a spiritually enriching week-long program from 19th to 26th January, 2025, which was themed “The Conversion of St. Paul.” The program was designed to help parishioners reflect on the transforming power of God’s grace, drawing inspiration from the life and mission of St. Paul. Throughout the week, families gathered to learn, pray, and renew their commitment to living out the Christian faith within their homes.
The program began with a reflection on the background of St. Paul, tracing his journey from Saul the persecutor to Paul the apostle. Participants were reminded that Paul’s dramatic encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus reveals that no life is beyond God’s ability to transform. His story set the tone for the week, encouraging everyone to remain open to God’s call to conversion and renewal.
Another major theme explored during the week was marriage as the bedrock of the family. Couples were guided through the Church’s understanding of marriage as a sacred covenant rooted in love, sacrifice, and fidelity. The speaker emphasized that when marriages are strong, families stand firm, and when families are strong, both the Church and society benefit. This session encouraged spouses to nurture their relationship and uphold the values that sustain a Christian home.
In continuation of this theme, the program also addressed the requirement of unity and indissolubility of marriage for a lasting family. Participants reflected on the importance of commitment, mutual understanding, and perseverance in marriage. The teaching highlighted that the unity of marriage reflects Christ’s unbreakable bond with His Church and that couples are called to mirror this faithful love, especially in challenging times.
A particularly impactful part of the week focused on forgiveness as a necessity for a lasting family. Families learned that while conflicts and misunderstandings are inevitable, forgiveness remains essential in maintaining harmony and peace within the home. The session provided practical guidance on how to forgive, reconcile, and rebuild trust. It reminded participants that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but a path to healing and renewed relationships.
Building on this, the program also explored the uniqueness of Christian forgiveness. This teaching emphasized that Christian forgiveness goes beyond personal desire; it is modeled after Christ’s unconditional love and His call to forgive others as He forgives us. Participants reflected on how this kind of forgiveness can transform family dynamics, strengthen bonds, and create a loving environment where each member feels valued and understood.
The week-long activities concluded with a joyful family picnic, where parishioners relaxed, bonded, and enjoyed one another’s company. Laughter, shared meals, and games marked the celebration, reinforcing the importance of community and fellowship. The program ended beautifully with a thanksgiving Mass, during which families gathered to offer gratitude to God for the blessings, teachings, and renewed strength they received throughout the week.
In all, the “Conversion of St. Paul” program was a week of grace, reflection, and family renewal. Just as St. Paul was transformed by the love of Christ, our parish was reminded that God continually calls each of us—individually and as families—to deeper faith, unity, and love. May the lessons learned continue to inspire us to be true witnesses of Christ’s transforming power in our homes and community.
