All are welcome to journey to find God in all things through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. St Agnes and St Ignatius Parishes offer the Exercises through the 19th Annotation, known as “a retreat in daily life.” The 19th Annotation Retreat is a way of making a retreat during the course of ordinary living without having to forgo, for a time, one's commitments to work, family and friends. Important in the discernment process is the completion of a questionnaire.

Kali sarakosti (Καλή σαρακοστή)! This literally means “Good 40-days” in Greek. In Greece, there are many greetings specifically for the beginning of an event. There are also specific greetings for religious occasions in addition to the common ordinary greetings you hear all year round, such as good day, good week or good month. Since our arrival in Greece, we have been greeted by a vibrant Catholic community. Among those who greeted us are Maronites, Jesuits, Franciscans, Capuchins, and priests from all over the world now residing in the cradle of western civilization. Within the Catholic Greece we have visited, we saw a generally thriving church scene.

Ever-glorious St. Joseph, good and faithful servant, God was pleased to place his own family in your care. You who knew the fear of fleeing to protect those you loved, be near to all who seek refuge and safety. Help us recognize Christ in the migrant and the stranger, and respond with courage and compassion. Touch the hearts of those whose policies affect the vulnerable, that they may be guided by wisdom, moved by compassion, and act with justice, always upholding the dignity of every human being. Through your intercession, grant protection to all migrants in danger —especially our parish families— that they may live without fear, and know the fullness of life God intends for all. Amen.