MGA Meeting at Montfort Inter College, Lucknow

The MGA meeting of Montfort Inter College, Mahanagar, Lucknow, was held on January 26, 2025 at the residence of the Brothers. We, the MGA members, along with the Brothers of the community, gathered in the chapel after the Republic Day celebration in the school. The meeting commenced with a hymn sung by all the members present.

Talk by Bro. T.T. Mathew

Brother T.T. Mathew delivered an insightful talk on ‘The Year of Prayer’ that preceded the Jubilee Year 2025. He elaborated on the meaning and significance of prayer in our daily life, especially as Montfort Gabrielite Associates. Ten key points drawn from Notes on Prayer by Pope Francis and the pastoral aid Teach Us to Pray were explained with befitting examples. He underscored the statement of Pope Francis. “Prayer is the breath of faith. Prayer is faith’s most specific expression.” He added that prayer is the spiritual oxygen we all need.

He explained further with Biblical texts that the most fundamental reason why we need to pray is that Jesus himself prayed. In the Gospels there are eighteen different occasions where we find Jesus in prayer. He also emphasised on the centrality of daily family prayer and the need to bring up our children in Christian faith and tradition. The most common family prayer is the Rosary. Quoting St. John Paul II he added, “The Rosay is also, and always has been, a prayer of and for the family. This prayer was particularly dear to Christian families at one time, and it brought them closer. It is important not to lose this precious inheritance. We must return to the practice of family prayer and prayer for families, continuing to use the Rosary” (Rosarium Virginis Marie, 41).

He further highlighted the significance of the Rosary from the writings of our founder like ‘The Secret of the Holy Rosary’ and ‘The Treatise on the True Devotion to Mary’. St. Louis de Montfort said, “Recite your Rosary with faith, with humility, with confidence and with perseverance.” The members expressed their gratitude to Brother Mathew for his inspiring talk.

Rosary cum Prayer Service

All participants joined in singing the Rosary. This was followed by the recitation of a prayer taught by Saint Louis Marie de Montfort "Consecration to Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Wisdom through the Hands of Mary". A special prayer was also made to the Holy Family, taken from Amoris Laetitia.

Discussion on Outreach Activities

A discussion was held on visiting places where members could assist people in need and contribute in any possible way. Various suggestions came up, and finally, we agreed to visit St. Francis School for the Hearing Impaired at Thakuganj, Lucknow, sponsor a meal for them, and make them happy with some recreational games. This visit is scheduled for February 2025.

Fellowship Refreshment

The meeting concluded with a refreshment provided by the Principal, Bro. Jinu Abraham.

Mrs. Cicilia Francis