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HOUSTON CATHOLIC MEN’S ASSOCIATION HOLDS RETREAT IN SAINT THOMAS
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October 29, 2024From October 11-13, 2024, the Catholic Men’s Association (CMA) from Houston embarked on a spiritually enriching retreat in the Diocese of Saint Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Guided by Fr. Marcel Gham, Chancellor of the Diocese, on behalf of the Bishop, Most Reverend Jerome Feudjio, the retreat was a time of reflection, prayer, and community.
Four members of the group arrived St Thomas: Mr. Ernest Anoma (Spiritual Adviser), Mr Noel Siaha (President), Dr. Mathias Egbe, and Dr. Nicholas Tangeh.
The other members could not make it to the venue. They were held back by flight changes and cancellations at the Miami airport due to Hurricane Milton, a powerful storm that impacted Florida, including Miami, in early October 2024. But the four members went on with the plan because, in the words of Mr Anoma, the Spiritual Adviser, they are “striving to be men of honor like St Joseph”, and so complied with the activity despite all odds.
On Saturday October 12, the group attended Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, a moment of communal worship that set a reverent tone for the weekend. Sunday was a day of deep spiritual engagement, beginning with the 10:00 a.m. Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. In the afternoon, they traveled to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John’s Island for a Holy Hour and penitential service, marking a profound conclusion to their retreat.The Focus
The retreat sessions were held in the Chancery conference room, where Fr. Gham delivered insightful talks centered on St Joseph. The theme of the retreat was “Transforming our tasks into silent expressions of prayer after the model of St. Joseph.” This theme invited participants to reflect on the quiet strength and faith of St. Joseph, offering a model for their own spiritual journeys.
The Holy Scriptures portray St. Joseph as a quiet man. Yet his quiet unassuming role in the lives of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her Divine Son Jesus earned him an unforgettable and amazing place in our Christian faith. Thus, he is perceived as a model of active listening, a man of honor, who does not only know how to discern the will of God, but who also knows how to actually transform every experience of his life into an offering to God in silent prayer.CMA Houston
This retreat was a significant milestone for the CMA group from Houston, which in 10 years has grown from its four pioneer members to a vibrant community of 16, including roving members. The group, part of six chapters across the USA, originated from a desire to deepen the Catholic Faith and live it after the model of Saint Joseph.
They do not take on this spiritual journey in isolation; CMA Houston is tied to other Catholic Men’s Conferences, and especially to the CMA in Cameroon at the national level, which is the base and exemplar for the group.
Mr Ernest Anoma, the Spiritual Adviser, related that the connection to His Excellency Jerome Feudjio began about two years before. They had invited him to a dedication ceremony of theirs. While there, they had talked about the prospects of eventually holding one of their retreats in the Diocese of Saint Thomas in the Virgin Islands. This retreat was, therefore, the realization of a deliberate moment in their spiritual journey.
Although the Bishop was away during the retreat, they still felt his spiritual support and encouragement, and his absence was mitigated by the enriching talk and experience.Reflections and Future Plans
The participants at the retreat expressed that it was a wonderful experience where everyone felt spiritually nourished and satisfied. Aside from the spiritual aspect, it was an opportunity to be psychologically and physically refreshed and visit the beautiful Virgin Islands. The group left with a renewed spirit and a commitment to return with even more members in the future for a longer stay and retreat.
The CMA of Houston looks forward to continuing its journey of faith and fellowship, inspired by the serene and spiritually uplifting experience in the Virgin Islands. Their retreat not only strengthened their bonds but also deepened their collective faith, setting a strong foundation for future endeavors.
