As the Indigenous delegations began meetings at the Vatican in Rome, a fire-lighting sunrise ceremony was taking place at the Galilee Centre in the small town of Arnprior, Ont., just 65 km west of downtown Ottawa.
Retreats vital part of life at the Vatican
By Courtney Mares, Catholic News AgencyFor nearly 100 years, popes have set aside time for an annual retreat and meditation on spiritual exercises. It’s more than a custom — it’s become an essential part of papal life.
Five ‘points of light’ at heart of program
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterIf you think a retreat is just a day or two in the countryside spent praying and reading Scripture, the Star of the North Retreat House in St. Albert, Alta., wants you to think again. Beginning with an introductory session the Oct. 3 weekend, Star of the North wants to take a diverse range of people through a three-year process divided into nine modules called Aurora Living.
Centre seeks to spread message of strength
By Quinton Amundson, The Catholic RegisterSaturdays and weekday nights have taken on a special dimension in Angie Carboni’s life in recent months.
The need for retreat never greater
By Wendy-Ann Clarke, The Catholic RegisterGiven the mental and emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on society over the past year-and-a-half, for many, spiritual retreat may be more essential than ever.
Southdown opens doors wider
By Wendy-Ann Clarke, The Catholic RegisterBy embracing the opportunity found in challenges brought about by COVID-19, Southdown Institute is expanding mental health services to reach even more people of faith.
Retreat centres acclimatize to new normal
By Quinton Amundson, The Catholic RegisterThrough prayers and dreams, Angie Carboni has counted on God to help her navigate through the six months since COVID-19 emerged in Canada.
Caring for the Earth and its people
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterThe retreat master’s job is all about the big reveal — showing people what’s already there. For Jesuit spiritual director Fr. Greg Kennedy the job is a delight, a joy and at the same time a humbling experience.
Retreats offer a helping hand in crisis
By Mickey Conlon, The Catholic RegisterThe sign on the door may read “Closed until further notice” at Loyola House Ignatius Jesuit Centre and other retreat centres around the country, but that doesn’t mean spiritual life needs to take a break.
Nouwen sets example of ‘emptying our lives’
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterA little quiet time — away from work and the constant interruptions of daily life — ought to be just what the doctor ordered for those seeking more spiritual focus in their lives.
Healing is key at Star of the North
By Glen Argan, Catholic Register SpecialST. ALBERT, Alta. -- Star of the North Retreat Centre is making healing and reconciliation between Indigenous people and Canadian settlers a major element of its retreat ministry.