We had scheduled talks of spiritual direction given by lay people and then time to be silent. We could stay in the chapel or go anywhere around the grounds. We were encouraged to write, pray, read spiritual material or contemplate on one of the Stations of the Cross. The hardest time for me was mealtimes. I so wanted to know about the people there. But, no, I ate in silence as we all did. I have to admit I did cheat a little and went on-line and spoke on the phone. Two people who are friends of my friends died and so I gave myself permission to call my friends. I lit candles at St. Benizi Mass for the deceased.
After being silent for 2 days and nights, we were asked to share what we learned during the weekend!!! Can you believe it, I couldn't break the silence and share!!! What I heard was how helpful the retreat had been for those who cannot share in a group. I was blessed this whole weekend and had some powerful discussions with God. We're pretty good friends, you know.
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| First I got a haircut. This neighborhood is Korean. |
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| Souplantation is part of Sweet Tomatoes, complete with tomatoes on the carpet! |
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| St. Benizi |
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| Needs no caption |
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| Chapel of 6 pews and lots of prayers! |
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| Carpenter made of wood. |
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| Pro Sanctity Center and my car. |
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| My meditation. |
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| Inside St. Benizi |
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| There were four of these beautiful windows. |
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| As we were leaving, a nun commented that the trees in the neighborhood look like they are reaching their arms to God. I looked with new eyes and a new heart. |
I'm so glad you did this. I wish I had been with you. Mary Ann
ReplyDeleteThanks! I miss our morning devotions.
ReplyDeleteI sure wish I could do something like this. Sounds very comforting and spiritual. How busy we are all the time and always communicating to everyone and everything except God....
ReplyDeleteBarb