On June 4-6 some of us were blessed to make a final retreat at the Jesuit Center. We came to gather the graces of this sacred space. Most of us have come to the Jesuit Center for many years seeking God: taking classes, discovering new ideas, learning new ways to pray, and making dear friendships. For many of us, the Jesuit Center became a "home" ~ a place of belonging. It was a safe place for our bodies, minds and spirits to become still and silent, so that, as Mary Oliver says in her poem "Praying" ~ "another voice may speak."
Over the weekend retreat, we revisited some favorite inside spaces: the Main Chapel and balcony, the Holy Spirit Chapel, and third floor library. Outside, our beloved places to wander and pray included the porticos, the weeping beech tree, the grotto, the stations of the cross, the labyrinth, and the statues of Mary and Jesus looking with us over the expanse of fields.
If you were unable to make a final retreat to the Jesuit Center, we invite you to take some time to reflect on the graces you have received from your time there. You might recall those places you always headed out to early in the morning or in the evening after dinner, the indoor private nooks where you prayed and felt embraced, the dear friends you made along the way, the Kairos teachers and leaders who cared for, and shared resources with, you, and, of course, the Jesuits who welcomed you and prayed for you. You might also recollect the ways in which your spirit grew: the prayers you prayed, the healing you sought, the wisdom gained, and the Love that held you -- always.
Below is a poem Donna and Linda shared at the retreat. May you be blessed as your journey continues on, carrying the gifts you have received.
In the Leaving
In the leaving
in the letting go,
let there be this
to hold onto
at the last:
the enduring of love,
the persisting of hope,
the remembering of joy,
the offering of gratitude,
the receiving of grace,
the blessing of peace.
(Jan Richardson)
We ended our retreat on Sunday with our often-played closing song at Kairos, "I am with you on the journey." https://youtu.be/qe5N5eFqWkA
May you go forth, knowing you are accompanied by the Holy One, and will always carry with you the gifts of your time at Kairos and the Jesuit Center. May they become the seeds for new discoveries and adventures!
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