Franciscan Retreats: February Men

February Men

As one of the retreatants wrote: “During the coldest weekend in three years the retreat was a warm place to be.” A Minnesota winter invites us to stay indoors and discover the Kingdom of God and that timeless peace which surpasses all understanding. Along with our Minister Provincial, Father Peter Damian Massengill, the friars welcomed thirty men to experience the unconditional love of God. We're especially grateful to the Bloomington Knights of Columbus for promoting this retreat.

Following are some of their remarks about the weekend:

I have been refreshed more so than by my annual trip to the western mountains. I have been reintroduced to the Peace which my every day life seems to erode, or I let it. much like my mountain trips, I don’t want to leave, though I must. I feel called to make use of God’s love to shield me from the stressors of the trials and tribulations I face. Peace above me; peace before me, peace on my right; peace on my left, peace behind me, and peace within me!

What a treat to enjoy the meals prepared by Chef Judy. Each meal was well-balanced, wonderful presentation, and tasty. My first morning here I needed a glass of OJ after breakfast and Judy made a special effort to catch up to me as I was walking outside to see if I needed some OJ for my room. That random act of kindness really touched my heart. Thank you Judy for being a caring person.

I had considered not coming to this retreat house because I was too busy and stressed. This would have been a mistake. The activity, worries, and preoccupations will always be there. My journey to God’s kingdom is continuing and this retreat was needed and very helpful. Interestingly, this retreat did not feel as powerful or insightful as last year, but it was very reaffirming and restful and centering. Father Peter Damian’s persistent reminder to see the “big picture” – our place in God’s kingdom – was an important message for me at this time in my life. Life is hard, and I am not that important, it’s not about me; I’m not in control, and I will die. These are hard ideas for the part of myself that is self-centered and full of my own ego. But welcome for the part of me that chooses God, understanding that humility, surrender, and faithfulness are the path to peace, love, and forgiveness in God’s kingdom.

God has blessed me by just allowing me to be here again.

Chef Judy is an asset to the retreat house. Her presentation and quality and taste are excellent. Keep her here for a long time!

As the second year of attendance I came here expecting a continuation and expansion of a prior visit. This year brought a different, very helpful and thoughtful approach.

I am type A person. I needed this retreat. I feel it was very rewarding for me. I need to put into my life each day what I heard this weekend. It’s not all about me.

I need some time away from my daily routine. This was a nice escape. A very dedicated staff and Father Ken do a great job of keeping things in order and on time.

This was a pleasant recharge of my battery. Getting away from news, television, and many other daily distractions helps to focus the priorities in my life.

The food is excellent. What a gift God has given to Judy and her staff in preparing the delicious meals. I heard numerous comments from the other retreatants about the quality of the food.

This is a wonderful experience with “real men.” The liturgy and presentations were relevant and timely for today. They both help me to develop the focus needed to grow my relationship with Christ and His church. Thank you.

The retreat made me feel a lot more relaxed. It also made me feel more blessed spiritually and me feel real great physically.

This is very consoling. It is special this year as I just have been told I have cancer.

The reason I attended the retreat was because I felt I was losing the wonderful feeling I’ve always had in prayer and in anticipation of receiving the Eucharist. After reconciliation and consultation with my confessor and the devotions which followed I have regained the peaceful feeling once again. The Lord has blessed me in reassuring me that He is there to hear and help me whenever I need him. I’m looking forward to a return visit.

Making a retreat is such an important part of one’s faith journey. My personal journey is similar to a children’s roller coaster – up and down, close to the Lord and not so close. This retreat was a wonderful opportunity to move closer to Jesus. Father Peter Damian’s talks were so insightful and delivered the theme of the weekend in a powerful way. Taking time to step aside from the busyness of life and spend quality time with Our Lord is so important in today’s world. I have been once again reminded God’s unconditional love is there for me. What I need to do is make time to experience God’s love first hand while on retreat.

As our bodies deteriorate our spirit grows to prepare for the next life.

The food was topnotch. The dried fruit with oatmeal; Saturday dinner salad with fresh berries, and so forth – details make the food great!

God has blessed me with new outlook in my faith in Him. The preaching was just great, a great message was delivered on all four presentations. It’s not about myself.

During the coldest weekend in three years the retreat was a warm place to be. Retreats are a great opportunity to find the next step in life.

This is the first retreat I have been on where I have taken the opportunity to have a private confession with a staff member. Taking this opportunity turned out to be a very healing experience for me. Although I don’t know where it came from it seem that what I need at the time was that “little shove” to get me out of the hallway and into the confessional.

I leave with an enhanced sense of peace. I am able to let go and let God more readily. We all need a push in this direction. The retreat reinforces this for me.

Since this is my first retreat I have much to contemplate: new friends is the most obvious blessing. The sessions posed many things to consider which I feel will improve my life. Thank you and may God bless your work. I now have to put into practice what I have heard and hopefully learned.