International retreat for Precious Blood brothers
“United as you are here during the retreat, my dear Brothers in Jesus Christ, remember those inspirations which the all-provident God gave you when he called you to be our help in the Society. Examine yourselves with respect to the cooperation you have given to your practice of virtue and your response to the God-given means to your sanctification. Keep in mind that when you serve the Society, you are helping in a work which is God’s. The diligence and the zeal that must be yours in fulfilling the obligations which the Lord has entrusted to you can then be easily understood.”
These words of St. Gaspar specifically addressed to the brothers in the Society in his Circular Letters still ring true today. Twenty-eight brothers got together either in person or by Zoom to once again join in retreat and ponder the vocation of brotherhood. It was a joyous occasion to gather in Lakeside, Michigan, during a week in October leading up to the Feast of St. Gaspar. We were led in reflection by Br. Michael McAward, a Marianist brother.
Br. Mike started by focusing on the unique qualities of a religious brother. He got us to reflect on our witness to fraternity and our prophetic experience of fraternity. He enabled us to look at our consecration
and personal spiritual life so to find joy in the diversity of vocations within our charism. Br. Mike helped us understand cultural challenges and navigating tensions among us.
Our time spent together was a nice mix of presentations, personal reflection, small group discussion, worship, and fellowship during meals and socials. Br. Mike challenged us to live authentic lives in community with dignity and humility. We explored C.PP.S. charism and how the brothers witness to it, especially in practical considerations for the future. Finally, we studied together synodality and its connection to fraternity and to the laity.
During my time in retreat, I kept reflecting on a few lines from St. Gaspar in his Circular Letters specifically for the brothers. He said, “Learn how to unite the active life with the life of contemplation. Always walk in the presence of God and yearn for God. Immerse yourselves in Him as in an ocean of everything good. Speak to Him in daily and frequent prayer.” Spending time in retreat with my fellow Precious Blood Brothers was an immersion in God as in an ocean of everything good. It was a true blessing I will never forget.