The importance of retreats
“In Retreat, we learn to look deeply into ourselves and to earn the precious jewel of Humility where our spiritual vision becomes clouded, and we imagine ourselves being better than our actual selves.”
As our foundress once wrote, retreats are the perfect occasions to find the graces to embrace ourselves fully and let go of the areas we need to change as a way of coming out of ourselves.
During retreats, we raise our minds and hearts to God who searches and knows us very well. Retreats help us to recognize the powerful tools for personal and collective transformation. Whether spiritual, wellness, corporate, or creative in nature, retreats provide an opportunity to consciously set aside time for God, seeking a change of focus, and deliberately stepping outside of our normal routine to be in a quiet place where all our senses are open and ready to receive God.
This is why, during the recent assembly, Sisters and lay collaborators in the Holy Spirit Region, spent two days in retreat to reflect on the spirituality of the Sacred Heart, which is at the core of our congregation.
Sr. Barbara (center) with Nick Rademacher and Michelle Sherman, who leaded the retreat
By reflecting on the love Jesus poured on us, we were reminded of how we should serve our communities, and we were guided on how to assess the work of this year and plan the work for the coming year.
Our mission as described by Mother Cabrini
Sr. Evarlyne, who is currently based in St. Philips, Eswatini, shares with us her experience during retreats, and encourages us to find time for retreats.
Retreats can help us achieve meaningful transformation and free us to be what God intends us to be (John 11: 43-44) in different ways.
Retreats offer us time to reflect deeply on God, ourselves, and others. In our fast-paced world, finding time for deep reflection can be challenging and so when we set time apart for God, we create a dedicated space for us to pause, look inward, and evaluate our lives. This intentional time away from routine distractions allows for a deeper understanding of personal goals, values, and desires.
God has blessed us indeed with such a phenomenal environment during retreats where we can connect one-on-one with God’s beautiful nature. Lately I have been following up with the Florence Spiritual Center, and I have no doubt that God will draw so many of His children to have retreats in this wonderful place because its surroundings are truly so wonderful even my words can’t describe the beauty. The tranquility of nature has a calming effect on the mind and body, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Being in nature can also inspire creativity and foster a sense of awe and gratitude.
From God’s perfect ways of molding, melting, and using us as His own instruments, through retreats, we assimilate to new world of unique perspective from the materials provided by the retreat directors. These materials can be used for our own benefit of learning, and spiritual growth.
Here at St. Philips, we have had several retreats conducted by diverse groups, like the youth group, daughters of St. Anne, and parish retreats. Gathering to have these kinds of retreats brings together like-minded individuals who are on similar journeys of self-discovery and improvement. This sense of community provides support, encouragement, and the opportunity to share our experiences.
Sr. Evarlyne with youth group during retreat at St. Philips Parish
Being fully present in the moment is a key aspect of many retreat activities. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, help us to cultivate awareness and presence. This mindfulness can then be carried into everyday activities, leading us to more intentional and conscious living. For all of us on a spiritual path, retreats offer a sacred space to deepen our spiritual practices and connect with our inner self. Through meditation, prayer, and other spiritual exercises, we can experience profound insights and a sense of inner peace.
Now since we have learned numerous ways of how we can use our retreats, let us create time and space for transformation. Let us use our own parishes, homes, spiritual centers (like the Florence Spiritual Center for reflection), learning, community building, and mindfulness. Let us empower one another and make meaningful changes in each other’s lives.