Well the retreat is over. As we did just two weekends ago, we traveled A Simple Path, this time with our 2015 Aspirants in the Archdiocese of New Orleans diaconate community.
This weekend was held in Rosaryville, a community of Dominican nuns nestled in the woods of southern Tangipahoa Parish(county) in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. The facility is very beautiful with pristine surroundings that make the place ideal for a retreat. The retreat house is rather large and has rooms on three stories with the chapel located on the 2nd floor. The chapel has beautiful stained glass windows, on one side, depicting the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary while the other side tells the story of the Glorious Mysteries. The seats are not pews, rather set up in choir stalls facing one side to the other. Exquisite.
The facility has several parlors and sitting rooms which adds to a wonderful retreat atmosphere.
As I have mentioned before, I'm fond of and drawn to Rosaryville because it is the location of two weekends in my life that were my final preparation retreats for my own ordination day. I prefer Rosaryville in the late fall as I recall spending much time outdoors on my class retreats than I did this weekend. Of course it was in the 50's and 60's then; 90's this weekend!
Aspirants is a term referring to those men who inquired about the possibility of a vocation to the diaconate, made application and were accepted to the program. And, they are in the first of four years of formal formation. What is so vital about this first year is not just the classes and the academic work, but the task of coming together and forming community. Of course, with the majority of the retreat weekend held under the discipline of silence, another great opportunity to stretch and grow in forming community. Today, however, when the discipline of silence was lifted, they bonded as if long lost friends.
Like their 2012 class brothers just two weeks ago, we presented a journey of faith based on A Simple Path by Mother Teresa. I've been posting about this wonderful book a lot over the past few weeks. Tweeked only to acknowledge the difference between where each class is along the diaconal journey, each retreat focused on the fruits of silence, faith, love, service and peace. For this weekend we included the movie about the life of Mother Teresa as portrayed by Olivia Hussey. It was a beautiful addition to the weekend.
For my part, another opportunity to be with men, and their wives, who are discerning this call to diaconate ministry is always a great help in my own journey as a Permanent Deacon. And being a presenter alongside brother Deacons whom I admire and respect is an added joy. For me, it is a passion to share the story of the Permanent Diaconate and what this ministry means to the Church. As I have done so often before on this blog, I did so this weekend: share the message that it's not what we do but who we are that matters; that those considering the diaconate must embrace the call to be the icon of Christ the servant and must burn and yearn to show the sacramentality of service.
Two weeks ago and now this weekend, I believe mission accomplished; at least for now. Formation and discernment is an all the time thing. This retreat is now scratched off the list and we move on to what lies ahead. But for now, I am thankful for my weekend experience; from reconnecting with Rosaryville, to being with community and good friends, and having that special spiritual time on retreat to be with, talk to and listen to God.
I know it will be a better week ahead because of the weekend just completed. Thanks be to God!
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