The “Montfortan Retreat” was held from 10th of August, 2016 to the 15th in Osaka, Japan. This is a special retreat following the book of Saint Grignon de Montfort: “True devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary”, preached by Rev. Father Karl Stehlin, District Superior of Asia, and translated into Japanese by Father Thomas Onoda. 31 people attended this retreat.

Each day the retreat starts by the 7:00 a.m. Mass. There were 4 or 5 spiritual conferences, Holy Hour and Benediction from 6 to 7 p.m. We had sung Compline every night at 8:00 p.m. It ended by a Sung Mass of The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

We were really able to understand the meaning and to believe: “to Jesus through Mary”. Our Lady is mediator to Jesus and the Blessed Holy Trinity. And we need to do all our actions “through
Mary, with Mary, in Mary, for Mary”. I understand that we must give all, even our merits, to Our Lady. This is the best way for our salvation and to give honor to God, because Our Lord Jesus Christ did it in that way. Our Lord Jesus lived together with Our Lady for 30 years, and He said “I gave you an example”, “follow me”. He loved His mother in public life as well as private life.

It was very important for the preparation for the 100th anniversary of Fatima and M.I. 100th anniversary.

I would like to express my gratitude to Father Karl Stehlin, to Father Thomas Onoda, to all those who worked for this retreat and to the Immaculata! Deo gratias!
Odanaka Agnes (Japan)