There we were, advancing in a different direction at our annual diocesan clergy retreat, which has resumed in full after two years of the Covid Craze. And good thing too, what a faithful group of priests, just a pleasure to be with.
Our retreat conductor was excellent, Abbott Luis Gonzales, OSB, who gave a series of conferences on the spiritual life, drawing heavily on Dom Columba Marmion. And what's wrong with that? Nothing whatsoever and we were challenged to advance in perfection.
That in mind, you'll be shocked and surprised to know there weren't any priestesses, guitar playing nuns, liturgical dancers or rainbow blessings at the retreat. No, only the Faith once delivered by Christ to the Apostles and thence to us.
Well, it was over all too soon but I left refreshed in spirit. Go to Montserrat's incarnation on Lake Dallas if you can, it's a good place and its silence is important.
God bless you all,
LSP
18 comments:
Father- glad to hear that you are refreshed in spirit. I want to hear of your silence and insights into Columba Marmion.
Blessings!
-PS
I didn't see anyone in the group who appeared to be "transitioning". The group didn't seem to be woke.
It was good, PS.
I know, LL, dam strange, what?
I may not share your beliefs but I wish you well in your faith.
It's not a retreat until the liturgical dancers show up. That's from a Vatican II document I think.
Glad you were able to take in some orthodox theology Parson. I have never heard of Marmion and this gives me an excuse for a little research.
The lake looks enticing...any fishing action during the breaks?
It looks like a wonderful place to refresh, Parson.
Thank you for sharing it with us.
You all be safe and God bless.
Good to hear that it was...normal. And that's a sad thing to have to say in this day and age!
Over on the Protestant side of your little flock, LSP, we are some of use beset by what Ann Barnhart used to call Super Rock Band Church. You may be sure that there certainly ain't no pausing nor reflecting much less refreshing in peace around that. I don't hold with it, myself.
No priestesses, guitar playing nuns, liturgical dancers or rainbow blessings? How dull and backwards. :-)
Silence is golden. It's why I go to 7am Mass on Sunday (not that all our Masses aren't quiet, but 7am is the quietest.
Here's some encouraging numbers for you from St. Joan of Arc: In 2022, there were 68,500 attendees at Sunday Masses and over 100,000 total at Holy Mass when weekday Masses are included. In addition, there were 55 baptisms, 65 who received First Communion, and eight adult confirmations. We also had 87 new families/individuals join the parish. On January 21, 2023 Confirmation was conferred on 70 parishioners.
Thanks, BadFrog, I appreciate that.
I know, Infidel, it was deeply illicit.
It was really good, Linda. Bless you.
Ain't that the truth, NFO. Our diocese is... singular.
Ah, Wild, the old praise band rock ensemble.
You know, I think there's times when it's ok and uplifting but every Sunday? Dear God... And let's be honest, there's two thousand years of Christian musical tradition, let's draw off that. They weren't fools.
Adrienne, I know, it's bizarre, but there it is.
I think I'll post those stats in my ongoing effort to, ahem, advertise good news.
Agreed, Rev.
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