As participants gathered for the opening prayer service of their retreat of May 4- 6, 2012, the icon in front of the room carried these words: “Were not our hearts gradually catching fire within us as He spoke to us on the road to Emmaus” (Luke 24). That was the Easter scripture they could reflect upon as they prayed, read, contemplated, and met with their mentors during this silent directed retreat.
During the closing service, each shared how they had experienced God’s presence during this time as well as the insights and blessings that they received. The closing session is always a special time of grace for everyone. We all look forward to seeing each other in September when we begin the second year of the program.