Annual Priests' Retreat

Each year the Diocesan Priests who have pastoral appointments within the Archdiocese gather for a retreat.  Because the Diocese is so large, and to allow for parishes with 2 priests to continue operations as usual, the same retreat is held twice - over 2 consecutive weeks. I was on retreat this past week - and Fr. Sherwin will be on retreat next week.

This year the retreat director is Fr. Timothy Gallagher, who was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. He obtained his doctorate in 1983 from the Gregorian University. He has taught (St. John's Seminary, Brighton, MA; Our Lady of Grace Seminary Residence, Boston, MA), assisted in formation work for twelve years, and served two terms as provincial in his own community. He has dedicated many years to an extensive ministry of retreats, spiritual direction, and teaching about the spiritual life.

We concentrated on the first 4 "Rules" that St. Ignatius offers those seeking to live in a stronger relationship with God.  To be aware of what is happening within me on a spiritual level, to understand whether that force is the good spirit, or the enemy, and to then choose to accept the former and reject the latter is the heart of these first 4 rules.
To live a life aware, understanding the forces that are at work in and outside of me, and to move toward love and service of God, is rightly the desire of each disciple of Jesus Christ.  
For me - this was a timely retreat, and an opportunity to recommit to all that is good and holy and upright.
Thanks be to God!
Peace