I just feel like I’m running and running, on empty… getting tangled up and bogged down… crashing into walls, usually of my own construction… So much noise and murkiness…
In short, my spiritual life seems to be at a chaotic dead end.
I need a break. I need some quiet and some stillness. I need to rid myself of all the junk and get reconnected with God and with the most essential, truly necessary things. I need to blot out all the glare and focus on the eternal light, my guiding light. I need to tune out all the noise, so much of it within my own head, and listen to and learn what God wills for me. I need to break down the barriers and lay myself open to Him, both to receive from Him and give to Him, without any of my silly and finite expectations or opinions of what is best for me. I need to know, or recall, who it is He means me to be and what it is He means me to do.
A private, silent retreat of some sort sounds incredible to me.
Can anybody recommend something that might help me? I’m really not sure what all is available. Or where to start looking.
I just want a beautiful, peaceful, spiritually nourishing environment. One that is absolutely faithful to and supportive of the Catholic faith (none of those retreat houses that offer reiki, tai chi, Zen meditation, etc.!). The Mass and Eucharistic Adoration are a must.
Meanwhile, I do have my Lay Dominican retreat coming up on 8 August (St. Dominic’s feast day!), and that’s nothing to sniff at. I always look forward to our retreats, and they are always excellent. The wonderful Father Philip Neri Powell, OP, of Hanc Aquam fame, gives our talks, and this time he will speak on “Faith, Science, and the Contemporary Catholic.” It’s sure to be fascinating!
[UPDATE] Thanks for the suggestions – they all sound like good places for retreat! I’m nowhere near deciding yet, although, at the moment, I’m feeling sort of attracted to this Dominican monastery. [/UPDATE]
8 comments
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11 July 2009 at 5:13 PM
Julie D.
Have you ever tried going to Montserrat Retreat at Lake Dallas? I have heard good things about it although I’ve never gone. It sounds heavenly though … (http://www.montserratretreat.org/)
11 July 2009 at 7:37 PM
Practicing Catholic
Thanks, Julie. I thought there was a retreat house around here, but couldn’t remember the name. Will certainly check it out!
11 July 2009 at 5:24 PM
VA
Well, you’d be welcome at my convent, although it’d involve crossing the Atlantic :) The sisters have Liturgy of the Hours, daily adoration, fantastic food, experience with retreat direction, and a live-in chaplain should you require the sacraments. Oh, and it’s Dominican!
Barring that, there are
- Dominican nuns, with perpetual adoration:
http://www.nunslufkin.op.org/
Benedictines, with Benedictine hospitality:
http://www.osbcanyontx.org/index.html
And Google can probably help you along as well.
Good luck :)
11 July 2009 at 7:44 PM
Practicing Catholic
Thanks for providing some links to get me started! It would be great to stay at a Dominican monastery. I should love to visit your convent across the sea… maybe someday! :)
11 July 2009 at 8:18 PM
Warren
Well I hope you find a place to go, away. Any group of nuns that you know of? That would be a wonderful time away from your regular environment.
I will pray that refreshment finds you, or that you find it. Sometimes it’s enough, to call your priest and have a talk. Maybe he can suggest some place to go for a retreat. He might even offer some counsel and advice. Call yours up and schedule a half hour of his time, to talk about your feelings.
This is worthy pastoral work, and most priests are glad of the opportunity to minister to you in this way.
If I could recommend my favourite spiritual reading for when I feel dry as dust; Try a papal encyclical. I recommend Spe Salvi, if you haven’t read that yet, or Deus Caritas Est.
God bless you! You are a great encouragement to me, and I love to read what you share here on your blog.
Warren
11 July 2009 at 8:54 PM
Stella
I was part of a tour group to st. Gregory’s Abbey for a religious class several years ago. I remember how beautiful it was and the awe I felt at the life of prayers that the monks lead. I don’t know any specifics about their retreats but evidently guest are welcome for a brief retreat. Here is a link to that web page: http://www.monksok.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=97&Itemid=170&limitstart=5
St. Gregory’s is in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
12 July 2009 at 3:38 PM
Lexington
If you ever feel like crossing to The East Coast, I attended The Malvern Retreat House last month, as you know. The speakers certainly adhere to accuracy in The Church’s teachings, and do not veer into New Age methodologies. And the woods are a great place for solitude and quiet.
http://www.malvernretreat.com/
14 July 2009 at 11:14 AM
erica
good luck on finding a retreat place! i have this little book, “going on retreat” by margaret silf that has been helpful to me with suggestions for various retreat settings. blessings to you!