On Sunday April 28, members of the Legion of Mary and Rosary Confraternity travelled from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in San Fernando for a day of recollection and prayer.

On our way to San Fernando, we prayed the rosary. Even the maxi taxi driver with her eyes fixed on the road ahead, lips moving prayed with us.

We arrived in time for the 9.30 a.m. Mass. When the altar servers and Fr Allan Ventour entered the church, they were followed by a large group of persons to be initiated into the church at a later date. This shows that one by one, two by two, three by three, many are being called by Jesus into the Holy Catholic Church.

During his homily Fr Allan spoke of the Ascension and its importance in the history of Christianity. After Mass, the group went into a session of prayer. Fr Allan later came to give his first talk. He seemed happy to be with the group, being a former Cathedral Administrator.

Again he spoke about the importance of the Ascension. Jesus is sitting on the right hand of the Father. Jesus also wants us to be with the Father, but we should always live in a manner, which is compatible with the teachings of Jesus. This then would make it easier for us to be at his side with the Father.

On our return after a short break for lunch, we were given a talk in praying the rosary. Praying the rosary daily should be encouraged. The rosary should be said in a prayerful manner; the words should never be rushed.

Neither should we lie down while praying the rosary, because we usually fall asleep. We should offer each decade for someone or a group.

For instance wishing the sick to be healed or the group to be successful in its undertakings. Also concentrating on the mysteries while praying the rosary prevents our thoughts from wandering.

When one prays for the sick at the beginning of, for instance, the Agony in the Garden, we see that person’s suffering as similar to Jesus’ agony in the garden and wish that he or she would soon overcome that agony. Likewise, with the Finding of Jesus in the temple.

According to Fr Allan, no doubt, God can find those of us who have lost our children, friend or someone who is on the wrong path. We can offer that mystery towards their welfare and bring them back.

“Rolling the beads between our fingers helps us to focus on the prayers,” he said. Never mind some say the prayers are repetitious. He also said, “The name given to each mystery can be found in the Bible.”

For example, the first joyful mystery, the Annunciation, then the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. Of course we all know the fourth sorrowful mystery, Jesus carrying his cross, and the fifth sorrowful mystery, the Crucifixion, can be found in the Bible.

After Fr Allan’s talk there was Benediction. Mention must be made about the music; the beautiful singing by the choir and that of the organist. Thank you Fr Allan for your pep-filled and inspiring talk. The blessings of God be with you.