Sign of the Cross
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts as we prepare for our TEC weekend. We thank You for the gift of this time to seek Your presence and to deepen our relationship with You and bring others closer to you. Pour forth Your Holy Spirit upon us, O Lord, that we may open our minds and hearts to Your divine will. Grant us the grace to listen attentively to Your word, to reflect deeply on Your love, and to respond with faithful hearts to Your call.
Bless our retreat with the light of Your guidance and the warmth of Your love. May it be a time of spiritual renewal, healing, and transformation. As we journey together, may we grow in unity and love, supporting one another in faith and in truth. We entrust this Novena and our retreat into the hands of our Blessed Mother, Mary. Through her intercession, may we be drawn closer to Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever Amen.
Saint of the Day: St. Christopher
Saint Christopher is a legendary Christian martyr whose name means “Christ‑bearer.” Though his historical existence is uncertain, stories about him began circulating as early as the 6th century and spread widely through the Middle Ages. The most famous tradition tells that, after converting to Christianity, Christopher devoted himself to helping travelers cross a dangerous river. One day he carried a small child who grew impossibly heavy; the child then revealed Himself as Christ, explaining that Christopher had carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. Because of this, Christopher became venerated across the Christian world and is honored as the patron saint of travelers, transportation workers, sailors, drivers, athletes, bachelors, and those facing storms or other dangers. His image—often a giant carrying the Christ Child—became one of the most recognizable symbols of protection.
Reflection
The story of St. Christopher invites us to consider how ordinary acts of service can become extraordinary when offered to God. Christopher didn’t set out to be a hero; he simply used the strength he had to help others. In doing so, he discovered Christ in the very people he served. His legend reminds us that we, too, “bear Christ” when we carry one another’s burdens—especially when the weight feels heavy. St. Christopher challenges us to live with courage, humility, and a willingness to serve, trusting that God often reveals Himself in the simple, unseen acts of love we offer each day
Saint Christopher is often depicted in art with a staff and the child on his shoulders, symbolizing his role as a protector during travels. His narratives include themes of conversion and miraculous acts, such as healing a king who persecuted him. Despite the Catholic Church’s removal of his feast day from the liturgical calendar in 1969 due to a lack of verifiable history, many Catholics continue to honor him through medals and statues, reflecting his enduring significance in popular devotion. Thus, the legacy of Saint Christopher lies not in confirmed historical details but in the faith and belief that he inspires among believers across the centuries
Intentions
Through the intercessions of the Saints, we pray for TEC 286.
- The team that they stay open to the Holy Spirit in their lives before and during the weekend- We pray
- The Tecites attending or thinking about attending. That the spirit moves their hearts to be open to the TEC weekend. – We Pray
- (Feel free to add any special intentions you would like prayed for) – We Pray
Heavenly Father, in Preparation for this retreat we lift our hearts in gratitude for Your boundless love and mercy. We thank You for the graces and blessings bestowed upon us during these days of prayer and reflection.
With humble hearts, we invoke the intercession of the saints who have accompanied us on this journey. Saints who have gone before us, lighting the path with their faith and devotion:
Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us
St. Joseph, Pray for us
St. Therese of Lisieux, Pray for us.
St. Padre Pio, Pray for us
Servant of God Fr. Walter Cisek, Pray for us
St. Maximilian Kolbe, Pray for us
Our Lady of Champion, Pray for us
St. Christopher, Pray for us
