4-Day Online Lenten Retreat: Awakening the Four Holy Desires of the Liturgy
Register Now and let the sacred structure of the Mass transform your heart this Lent. In this intimate retreat led by David L. Gray, discover how the liturgy—through its four parts—instills holy desires in us, contrasting them with unholy temptations that hinder our union with Christ.
Inspired by The Liturgical Sense of the Readings at Mass, you’ll cultivate desires mirroring the Eucharist’s transubstantiation: from ordinary to divine life. Active participation in the liturgy, as the Church urges, yields abundant graces.
“Holy Mother Church desires… a general restoration of the liturgy… so that [the Christian people] should be enabled to understand them with ease and to take part in them fully, actively, and as befits a community.” (Verbum Domini, 56)
The Four Holy Desires
Each day focuses on one liturgical part, fostering holy longings while exposing unholy ones:
- Opening Rite (Penance & Contrition): Holy desire to confess sins humbly and seek forgiveness; unholy to deny sin and lack awareness of salvation’s need.
- Liturgy of the Word: Holy desire to hear God’s voice and know Him; unholy aversion to the Creator’s revelation.
- Liturgy of the Eucharist: Holy desire for face-to-face communion with God; unholy craving for fleshly passions over divine relationship.
- Rite of Dismissal: Holy desire to be sent as apostles, sharing graces; unholy hoarding of God’s gifts.
Session Format (90 Minutes Daily via Zoom)
| Time | Element | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 0-10 min | Opening Prayer | Lenten hymn, Scripture, collect—drawing from liturgical collects. |
| 10-40 min | Teaching Talk | Unpack holy/unholy desires with book insights and Church teaching. |
| 40-60 min | Silent Reflection | Guided journaling on personal desires. |
| 60-80 min | Group Sharing | Breakout rooms (4-6 people) for moderated discussion. |
| 80-90 min | Closing & Action | Prayer, commissioning, homework for daily integration.6 |
Retreat Details
- Dates: February 18-21, 2026 (Monday-Thursday), 6:30-8:00 PM ET.
- Cost: Free
- Capacity: Limited to 50 participants for meaningful sharing.
- Requirements: Stable internet, webcam/microphone, quiet space. Workbook PDF provided upon registration.
- Preparation: Read Lent Mass readings daily; attend Mass if possible.
Why Join?
Experience the liturgy’s power to form faith, as “the rule for prayer determines the rule of belief.” Emerge contrite, attentive, united with Christ, and boldly missionary—prepared for His threefold coming. Ideal for deepening liturgical life amid Lent’s call to faith, hope, and action.
Secure Your Spot Today
Spots fill quickly—don’t miss this grace-filled journey!
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