Tomorrow, the January 30-day retreat begins. It is always a special time for Eastern Point Retreat House because the novice come to make their initial retreat of their Jesuit lives. Old friends return each year, that is, the novice directors and their assistants. We are always glad to renew our friendships.
More than half the novices from the U.S. Assistancy join us in making the retreat. Novices from Wisconsin, Chicago-Detroit provinces join the New England, New York, and Maryland guys. This year the novices from English-speaking and French-speaking Canada join us. Additionally, seven other spiritual seekers make the retreat at the same time. To round out the numbers, three eight-day retreats will run concurrently with the 30-day retreat.
Tonight we had a social to introduce the retreatants to one another. It was a lively affair with a brief general meeting. Tomorrow we will do a few housekeeping items before the directors greet their retreatants.
It amazes me how quickly these days come upon us. Just as Christmas and New Years ends and you expect to have a few days of downtime, we are up and running like an endurance marathon. This is a time of the year we enjoy most.
January is often cold and snowy. This morning fell right into form. Sea smoke rose from the ocean as the air temperature was much colder than the water temps. The effect is like the water is on fire. It is so cool.
We have not had a single snow-flake in Gloucester this season. We know it will not last, but we appreciate the warm weather than God has blessed us with so far. Nature evens itself out so we are prepared and expectant. We will enjoy it when it comes. We are happy to see that we have gained 10 minutes of daylight since December 18th.
The intense period of prayer into which we enter is much a blessing. The retreatants have understandable anxiety and we enjoy watching the ways God unfolds the mysterious story for them. I feel so privileged to be a part of their experience.
Their stories beg that we pray for them daily. And we're off...
Three years ago I was one of the group just beginning the Exercises at Eastern Point. It was an incredible gift...and there was plenty of snow to wrap it in!
ReplyDeleteMy prayers for all those making the Exercises and those directing....
Thanks for your prayers, Michelle. The place has incredible simplicity in January. The snow will come and will wrap us in God's natural embrace. We are ready for it - waiting for it - but not impatiently. We appreciate the prayers and we remember all those who have passed through these doors to make their retreat here. Blessings on your anniversary month.
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