In this edition:
- ONE APOSTOLIC BODY -MAKING THE RETREAT IN DAILY LIFE
- CHRISTMAS IN SAN DIEGO
- UPDATE ON REFUGEES WE ARE HELPING
- CHRISTMAS IN HAITI
One Apostolic Body – Making the Retreat in Daily Life
Many of those taking part in the RDL have commented on the support they feel, knowing that others all over the RJM world are doing the same.
Sr. Mariam Norick, our American in Pakistan, is coming together weekly with a group of laywomen to make the retreat.
Given below, are reflections on the experience from two of Mariam’s co-retreatants, edited very slightly from what they sent. Their experience can encourage and inspire all of us who are on this journey!
My name is Dr. Jenny, and I have been a long-time prayer companion of Sr. Mariam Norick here in Islamabad. When she asked me whether I wanted to do these meditations I was excited and thrilled. This is because since my husband died 3 years ago, I have been seeking to discern God’s will as to what I should now do, and where I should not live (I am English but have lived in Pakistan for 38 years).
I have been on some kind of retreat every year since then, as best I could find, but the short time I could allocate, while comforting, has not provided the answers so far.
To be, therefore, given the chance to do this retreat daily, and what’s more in the knowledge that it follows the liturgical year which I also follow in Magnificat, my daily prayer guide, has been astonishingly wonderful! There is also a huge richness in the interaction between the meditations and my daily life and work, and the meditations and Biblical passages have stayed with me all day thereafter.
As it happened we were soon joined by 2 others, newly arrived Americans at the Embassy, who are in a particularly difficult security environment and highly restricted, but have also been able to contribute to the weekly meetings from their varied backgrounds, and have enriched our meetings enormously.
I have found the passages chosen, both old and modern, helpful also, and have been stimulated to read other Jesuit writing to help me in my dry patches.
All in all I am finding this prayer and reflection time about the best I have ever undertaken, and I am very glad I committed to it. Sr. Mariam’s guidance and direction is invaluable!
Blessings on you all, Jenny
