Sr. Mary Ann Matthew, FMA, Pastoral Head of Blessed Laura Catholic School in Tema, Community 22 has emphasized the importance of lenten retreats for children, noting that it is “inspiring and spiritually enriching”.
Speaking with Newswatchgh.com after the school’s 2026 Lenten Retreat on the Beatitude, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,” Sr. Mary Ann noted that the session served as an opportunity for the children to renew their faith.
She said, “The theme, animated by Mr. Robert Dela Yao Mawuenyegah, Co- Founder and Executive Director of Global Newswatch Media and Communications, was made simple and easy to understand through relatable stories suitable for the pupils. This approach helped both pupils and staff to better understand and apply the message in their daily lives.”
Sr. Mary Ann Matthew also encouraged more of these spiritual exercises, adding that “the retreat provided a peaceful environment for reflection, promoted unity within the school community, and encouraged everyone to live with purity of heart, discipline, and a stronger relationship with God.”
Organized by the school’s Pastoral Committee, the retreat featured some spiritual activities including reflections delivered by Mr. Mawunyengah, who encouraged the children to be kind to each other.
He noted, “Being ‘pure in heart’ means having a heart that’s fully devoted to God, undivided and unclouded by stuff that pulls us away. It’s about loving God with every part of us and loving others as ourselves.”
Obeng Jabin, a pupil from Blessed Laura Catholic School expressed satisfaction with the spiritual exercises, noting, “I was happy I could go for confession and I could be with Jesus and ask him for some things that I needed for my family and the school. I was also happy I could do the Stations of the Cross in front of the altar”.
Appiah- Forson Horatius, a pupil of the school also added, “It was a great experience to be with Jesus. I felt a bright light lit up inside me and I am happy Jesus lives in me.”
Other spiritual exercises during the retreat also included Eucharistic Adoration, the Stations of the Cross, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, fostering an atmosphere of prayer and personal reflection among the pupils and staff.
By: Veronica Sena Amenya//Newswatchgh.com
