Franciscan Retreats: March Marred Couples

March Married Couples

Marriage is God’s promise, renewed in every generation, that with God all things are possible. When we see men and women living and working together as equal partners with grace, courage, joy, reverence and admiration for one another, we know that God can become a human being and that human being (Jesus) is indeed worthy of our worship.

Following are some of their reflections about the weekend:

God has been in the quiet. The calm quiet and not overly full schedule have allowed the time for reflection, walks, naps, and just looking at nature. When I arrived on Friday and walked into my room I wondered how I would pass the time – no refrigerator to raid, no TV or radio. Ironically the time has grown wings. Here it is already Sunday and I find myself wanting another day of this. This slowing down inside, this exposure to quiet has been my blessing. My fellow retreatants have been a lovely reminder that others seek this as well. It brought back a recollection from childhood where I recalled enjoying around and visiting the convent of religious nuns because of one there seemed to hurry, but moved with calm deliberation. They were always approachable. I hope to take this with me upon my return home and make the effort to pace myself and my life in a quieter and more calm way, thus making myself available to all that God has in store for me. Thank you for making this wonderful place of reflection available.

Each time we come to Franciscan Retreats its like coming home. After a warm welcome we settle into the peace and silence. Even when I come with no specific expectations I am nourished and leave refreshed. This year’s theme, “Precious Lord take my hand” spoke to my yearning. I came with a desire to listen, to be open and led. The presentations provided food for thought, directing me to examine what my Lord is asking of me. I may leave with no specific answers but I will have a stronger resolve to listen with my whole being to the Holy Spirit at work in my life. Another blessing of this retreat is the other couples we meet and share with. God speaks through them. Of course I can’t forget the Saturday night social evening with Fathers Ken and Howard sharing their talents with us. It’s lots of fun.

I feel blessed to spend time at this holy place. It’s always great to have some spiritual direction. The time went so fast.

I have just spent February in the hospital/rehab center. What a marvelous contrast, and yet God continues to reassure me He is close and working on it. The personal contact with fellow retreatants is rewarding take-home stuff.

The retreat is always like coming home. I talked to my husband about changing times but I believe we’ll stay with March – during Lent. The talks were so eye-opening and spirit filling. Kris is such a thoughtful, gentle person and shares from her life experience. That was special. I always enjoy the fun on Saturday evening with Fathers Howard and Ken.

The retreats make me feel that God has been very good to me . I feel very fortunate to come to these retreats.

I’ve met new, God-like people. It’s like another family. I can feel the presence of God here.

The Saturday meditation by Father Ken was very well done, well researched and logically presented. The stages a penitent experiences hit home, especially the relief and joy of forgiveness. The service on hands brought back memories of my Father’s hands touching me as a child as I lay in bed with one of the childhood diseases.

Our retreats at Franciscan Retreats have been blessed with pearls of wisdom and jewels worth reflecting on. The serenity of the environment and relaxed schedule have filled us with peace that we are able to carry back to our busy lives. The prayers bring the presence of God to light. There is nothing more important that that, if we are to live happily.

God has blessed us with creation, and the ability to share the beautiful location and surroundings of Franciscan Retreats. He has brought in the quietness of the center as well as between each other, His peace and joy.

The food has been very, very good.

The rooms are clean, bright, and homelike. The temperature control worked well and there are adequate covers to sleep well in a good bed in a cool room all night.

The expanded bookstore/giftshop is very nice.

“Take my hand” has so many applications in our daily life. This was a prayerful time, energizing and relaxing. A superb team effort by all the staff and a great opportunity to focus on our marriage.