Are you longing for a deeper connection with Christ this Lenten season? Have you wondered why Jesus invites those he wishes to be close to him with the words, “Follow me”? Where does he want to lead them to?

It’s questions like these that the Carmelite Friars of Oxford will be exploring and answering in their 2025 online Lenten Retreat: Journeying with Jesus.

“During this retreat we will journey with Jesus to significant places during his final journey to Jerusalem,” said Fr Alexander Ezechukwu OCD, the Prior of the Carmelite community at Boars Hill, Oxford.

“These places will reveal profoundly for you who Jesus is and illuminate your own spiritual path. Our seven-week retreat is designed to guide you through the important sacred places of His earthly ministry, revealing the heart of God’s love, mercy, and mission for you, and transforming your relationship with the one who is both the Way and the Destination,” said Fr Alex.

What You’ll Experience:

Week 1 (Sunday March 2): The Journey to the Jordan: Discover Jesus as the Son of God and reflect on your identity as a child of the Father through baptism in Christ.

Week 2 (Sunday March 9): The Journey to Cana: Encounter Jesus as the Bridegroom and embrace your identity as God’s Beloved.

Week 3 (Sunday March 16): The Journey to Nain: Witness Jesus as the Giver of Life and reflect on the Father’s gift of His Life-giving Spirit to us, making us God’s children and His living presence in our world today.

Week 4 (Sunday March 23): The Journey to Nazareth: See Jesus as the rejected Prophet and recognize your calling to be a prophetic witness in today’s world.

Week 5 (Sunday March 30): The Journey to Capernaum: Rediscover Jesus as the Bread of Life who is broken for us, and who sustains us on the journey with the gift of himself at each Eucharist.

Week 6 (Sunday April 6): The Journey to Jericho: Experience Jesus as the Healer of body and soul, and every division and by the power of his Spirit step into your role as an agent of reconciliation and healing.

Week 7 (Sunday April 13): The Journey to Jerusalem: Encounter Jesus as God With Us – Emmanuel – who comes into his own Temple and through his death and resurrection and the presence of his Holy Spirit transforms us into Temples of the Living God, who embody His presence in the world.

“Our Lenten Retreat is a spiritual journey focussing on four goals aimed at increasing your experience of faith and your understanding of God’s love and mercy,” said Fr Alex …

• Deepen Your Faith: Reflect on the mysteries of Jesus’ life and ministry and grow in your understanding of His mission.
• Renew Your Heart: Prepare for Easter with a fresh perspective on God’s love, mercy, and call for your life.
• Walk with Others: Journey alongside a community of believers, sharing insights and encouragement as you grow together.
• Transform Your Life: Discover how Jesus’ journeys mirror your own experiences of faith, doubt, and transformation, and learn how to bring hope and healing to the world around you.

The 2025 Lenten Retreat works on two levels – each week, you’ll receive a free seven-part retreat video on the Journeys Jesus made. You can access these videos at your convenience and let it inspire your prayer at your own pace, whether individually or in a small group.

If you wish to take this to a deeper level you can sign up for Unpacking the Fruits of Lent, an interactive experience where once a week you can join the Carmelite friars in prayerful reflection, going deeper into the teaching of each video presentation.

“Each week you’ll also receive guided reflections, scripture passages, and prayer prompts to help you dive deeper into the theme of the week,” said Fr Alex.

“We will also help you to discover the wisdom of the Carmelite saints and draw practical applications to enrich your Lenten journey.”