By Sister Judith Jackson, SCL
I have always enjoyed the month of May. Here in the Midwest, we enjoy definite seasons, although climate change has accelerated the swiftness of the unfolding of warmth, winds, and the appearance of the broad spectrum of flora on our campus.
This May, we delight in the growth, the movement from the brown ground of winter to the green all around us. The length of day and the infusion of light into our lives gladden our hearts. We have survived another winter and another Lent. We are invited now to reflect more deeply on the rich scriptures of the Easter season. We again ready to embrace the gifts of the Spirit at Pentecost.
In the Christian tradition this month, we also focus on the gift of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In the past, we engaged in multiple devotions such as the rosary, the family rosary, the May crowning held in our parish, novenas, i.e., Our Lady of Perpetual Help, art, and music with Mary as the central character throughout the ages.
How does Mary matter now in our personal and communal lives? Is there any prayer practice available that might bring new graces to us?
Do we feel drawn to iconography? Are there any contemporary theologians who might open fresh perspectives on our understanding of Mary and her significance in our lives? Through Mary’s intercession as Jesus’ first disciple, may we reflect on the gifts of women in the Church. Have you known some women in your own family or parish community who have built up the church through their courageous and devoted lives of prayer, service, and love?
As always, you can email us to register for our public offerings.
On May 9, the feast day of Louise de Marillac, you are invited to a time away to rest in the spirit of Louise. Her life, like many of ours, was filled with activities, work, and helping those in need. Yet, Louise was a person of deep prayer. She found time to renew herself in the Lord. You are welcome to rest quietly with Louise at the Marillac Center You are welcome to rest quietly with Louise at the Marillac Center any time during the day. We will start our day (9:00am) with the words of Louis about her life. She offers an invitation into a quiet place during the rest of your day. Rest with St. Louise. Allow her prayer to guide us to a center of reflection. From our Spiritual Center emerges a new world order which values the poor and forgotten.
May 28 through June 4 is our final retreat offering before the Summer. Sr. Wendy Cotter, CSJ, professor emerita in the Theology Department at Loyola University in Chicago, will invite us to examine “The Cost of Discipleship.” In Mark’s gospel, we join the first disciples and listen to Jesus’ words, be taught by his outreach, and respond once more to his call to us, along the pathway of love, to holiness, to outreach to God’s children, and to recommit ourselves, with all our hearts to bring ever nearer, the Kingdom of God.
All year round, Retreat Directors are available for those who wish to make a personally directed retreat, as well as Spiritual Directors for those who wish to foster ongoing spiritual conversation.
Consider joining us at Marilac Center for one of the following events:
Resting With St. Louise de Marillac
May 9
Marillac Retreat Center
Fr. Kevin Cullen, S.J.
Repose with St. Louise. Allow her prayer to guide us to a center of reflection. From our Spiritual Center emerges a new world order which values the poor and forgotten.
Times are flexible. Contact retreats@scls.org for more information.
Retreat Days
May 28 – June 4
Marillac Retreat Center
Sr. Wendy Cotter, CSJ
During “The Cost of Discipleship” retreat, we join the first disciples, and listen to Jesus’ words, be taught by his outreach, and respond once more to his call to us, along the pathway of love, to holiness, to outreach to God’s children, and to recommit ourselves, with all our hearts to bring ever nearer, the Kingdom of God.
Contact retreats@scls.org for more information.
