“Ever since the Word became Flesh, I have not undertaken a greater movement than the Flame of Love of my heart who rushes to you.” The Blessed Virgin Mary – (The Flame of Love of The Immaculate Heart of Mary, The Spiritual Diary by Elizabeth Kindelmann). In the Marian month of May, 2025, our Lady blessed us in a special way. Specifically, on the weekend of May 17th and 18th, 2025, the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary retreat was held at St. Joseph’s Oratory. The Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a Catholic Marian movement, inspired by private revelations from Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth Kindlemann.
The flame of love movement is one of grace in response to the plea of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. It is aimed at strengthening faith particularly within families by blinding Satan and fostering unity through prayers and sacrifices for the salvation of souls. The retreat was led by Fr. Jim Blount who is a priest of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT). Fr. Jim is known for his powerful preaching and healing ministry. He has a deep love for the Eucharist and a strong devotion to our Blessed Mother. Approximately 350 people from both Canada and the United States attended the retreat. Fr. Jim’s teachings emphasized the importance of living in relationship with each of the Persons of the Holy Trinity and the transformative power of the Rosary. His powerful stories, drawn from his own experiences, captivated the attendees and drew many souls closer to God. The holy Rosary was prayed by the attendees. The event was spiritually uplifting with Fr. Jim providing the attendees with profound insights and prayers for generational healing. Fr. Arul Jayaraj, C.S.C. was invited to concelebrate Holy Mass with Fr. Jim on both days of the retreat. Attendees were prayed over by Fr. Jim, blessed with Padre Pio’s robes by a local priest and blessed with St. Joseph’s oil by Fr. Arul.
One of the dominant themes of the retreat was the importance of the family and its importance as a domestic church. The Escobart family, a talented musical team comprising of Dad, Mom and children donated their time and talents to sing and glorify God at the retreat and during holy Masses. Participants left the retreat feeling renewed and inspired, ready to carry the Flame of Love of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Most Blessed Virgin Mary into their daily lives. Many left the retreat spiritually fed with a sense of great peace. May the Immaculate Heart of Mary spread the effect of grace of her Flame of Love over all of humanity. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, a time dedicated to renewal and faith, may we, with the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, become beacons of hope, leading souls to Jesus Christ for God’s greater glory and the salvation of souls.
Linda Beairsto
Oakville, ON