by Father Kevin Cullen, S.J.
Summertime changes our daily rhythm of life. We move outside to see all the new growth and life that is among us. We enjoy longer days with more light and warmer days for our journeys. We explore the world with new eyes … and may need to gently contribute by watering plants and mowing lawns. We are being renewed as we renew the face of the earth as well.
Halfway through July, we at Marillac Retreat and Spirituality Center begin planning for the journey ahead. We have updated our website with our listings for Fall 2025 programs. We continue to welcome those wishing to spend some personal time in quiet reflection and prayer. And we continue to be moved by hope as people gather as families and friends to celebrate how we find beauty in the margins. The natural world opens doors for us to explore and discover these Jubilee days of hope occurring all around us. Our lives are full.
Enjoy the summer days ahead and blessings upon our journeys! We look forward to seeing you in the Fall, if not before then. For it is ‘Summertime … and the livin’ is easy.’
Upcoming Events
Consider joining us at Marillac Center for one of the following events:
The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees
September 8 & 22, October 6 & 20, November 3 & 17
2:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Facilitator: Sr. Susan Chase, SCL
The Christian ecumenical celebration of The Season of Creation begins September 1 with the World Day of Prayer for Creation and ends with the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron of ecology. Viewed through the Lens of Christian faith, Marillac Retreat and Spirituality Center invites you to attend the 6-part series examining the science and Spirit of the forest and explore the ancient wisdom trees offer us for deep connections with each other and Earth. You are invited to one or all the sessions as we explore
- Living in the light, dark and in-between times
- How to survive and thrive
- The importance of living in community
- Loss, resilience, renewal, and gratitude
Good Conversations: Enjoying Our Pilgrimage
September 11 | 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Marillac Assembly
Fr. Kevin Cullen, S.J.
A time to renew our pilgrimage in hope. How to do see the integration of my faith in my journey? Do I give witness to hope and respect for our creation? Do I bring healing into relationships? Do I trust in God’s love that transforms me and my world?
The Transformative Power of Prayer
September 12, 9:00 a.m. – September 14, 12:00 p.m.
Sr. Mary Pat Johnson, SCL
Although we are created in the image and likeness of God, who is Love, we are born into a broken world, and in varying degrees, the wounds suffered by that brokenness have alienated us from our true identity, persons who love as God loves. These retreat days will explore the ways fidelity to prayer gradually heals those wounds, transforming us into the persons we were created to be. Time for prayer, silence, and faith sharing will be included.
