Preparing for Holy Week
Last weekend I had the
privilege of participating in a silent retreat given by Br. Richard Contino,
OSF. In his Long Island accent, he tied together the three components of Lent
(prayer, fasting, almsgiving) with the three vows (poverty, chastity,
obedience) in the context of the three days of the Triduum. Not only was this a
new look at the vows in a different context, but it allowed me some much needed
quiet space to rest and reflect. I was able to fill up my emotional and
spiritual tank through journaling, meditation, reflections and yes, some extra
sleep.
I had heard that the
Novitiate would be full of new experiences and also extra time for quiet. Well,
I think I have come to rely on our morning communal contemplation, shared
morning and evening prayer and our quiet time for reflection. During the past
couple months both my schedule and the personal work that is expected of me
have picked up speed and so I needed that quiet even more. The four days on
retreat gave me time and space to wrestle with and sift through where God is
speaking to me and allowed me to move beyond the “chatter” in my head and in
the world toward deeper “conversations” with the people around me and with God.
Beginning Holy Week with a
silent retreat was a blessing and something I will have to keep in mind for
future years.
How have you prepared
yourself for this Holy Week and Triduum?
Krissie Koll
St. Louis, Missouri
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