‘I bring you good news, which will be a source of great joy for all the people’ (Luke 2:10)

Members of the Word of God Groups are already preparing for the 2026 Major Retreats, to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the Incarnation Movement. These Major Retreats have been held since the Movement’s inception and bring together participants who are weary from life’s difficulties. Illness, poverty, destitution, the loss of loved ones, financial hardship, debt, heartbreak, family problems and failure

are the lot of many people who nevertheless remain committed to following Christ. As an example, we witnessed the crowds that welcomed Pope Leo XIV in Cameroon. This demonstrates their commitment to the Church. Sometimes our days are punctuated by a succession of sufferings. We are faced with life choices that cause us pain. Worldly attempts to find joy in these moments of suffering generally turn out to be mere flash in the pan. Our successes and pleasures are often followed by sadness. It is in this context that we are reminded that Jesus has risen, that he is alive and shares his joy with us. ‘All things work together for good for those who love God’ (Romans 8:28).

By organising the Great Retreats on the Word of God, the Movement of the Incarnation reminds us that the Good News is constantly proclaimed by Jesus in our lives. He comes to us to offer us perfect joy, true joy. ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full ’ (Jn 10:10). The Great Word of God Retreat is a time of joy. Jesus comes with his Word to give us happiness and joy. ‘I bring you good news, which will be a great joy for all the people’ (Lk 2:10). Over the past thirty years, the Great Word of God Retreats have been a time of joy for many. Is not a woman joyful at the thought of soon giving birth to a child? Many participants testify that, following the Great Retreats, they have experienced a deep sense of peace, have had their prayers answered and have grown in their love for God. Let us therefore prepare for these Great Retreats of 2026 with great hope.

One day I was attending a ‘Word of God’ meeting and listening to the testimonies of ‘The Word in Action’. In my heart, I thanked Jesus for giving us such a gift: that of pleasing him by living out his Word. I was filled with wonder at seeing these young people who, day after day—perhaps stumbling, perhaps falling, but certainly making small efforts—were striving to live out the Word of God. I realised just how important it is to remain faithful to living out the Word of God. This is a sign of spiritual growth: living out the Word of God, doing God’s will. The Great Word of God Retreat draws us into a journey towards holiness. I give thanks to God for having witnessed this growth in so many people. How many people have been converted! How many members have received the sacraments! How many have learnt to pray, to read the Word of God, to perform acts of love in order to love Jesus! How many are now committed to evangelisation! How many are actively working to build the Kingdom of God, the Church, in their parish! How many are building their families according to God’s plan for marriage and the family! But in fact, the most important work we always have to do is to live out the Word of God, to love. ‘My task, O Lord, is to keep your Word’ (Ps 119:57). This is the best preparation for the Great Word of God Retreats.

Henri Bayemi

Founder and General Director of the Incarnation Movement