More Photos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Back

Monastery Retreat Reflections
By Jason O'Brien

 It had just started to snow as we were driving down the long curved road lined with trees still in their winter slumber. “I wish I had more time to spend here” ran through my mind as we were leaving. My experience at the Monastery in Huntsville was very beneficial to my spiritual life. It was nice to have a place that was conducive to my relationship with God. My day to day life style is not always so. The world encroaches on my relationship with God sometimes blotting out His light and sometimes my nature leads me to put on sunglasses to dull that same light.

For me, the monastery retreat was a time to spend in prayer and contemplation during the season of lent. I spent my alone time in prayer and reading the bible as well as another book that was timely for the season of lent. It was good to join in the prayers of the monks, along with my co-retreaters, at the appointed times of the day. My only set time for prayer in my daily life is before bedtime. I pray throughout the day but not at any set time. It would be nice to have that structure that the monks have all the time. But alas, I have two kids, a job, and many responsibilities that make my prayer life a little haphazard at times. Taking time to pray at different times throughout the day will have to work for now.

I was thankful for the chance to deepen my spiritual life and spend a lot of time in solitude which helped me focus my prayers. I took great joy in talking with others and sharing experiences and thoughts with the group. The call to silence and contemplation are not mine. I like to socialize and like to hear what others have to say. I am glad there are men and women like the monks at the Abbey that have been given the grace and opened their hearts to the call of a life of prayer. I hope my meager prayers joined with theirs will move mountains in the hearts of men and women throughout the world to do the will of God.

Monastery Retreat Reflections
By Quinn Roosendaal

During the retreat, I was able to spend some quiet time with God, reflecting on the things that are most important in my life. I found a couple of areas where I am in a sinful cycle that I can’t seem to get out of.  I discovered that God has the answer, and I don’t have to do it alone.  I also discovered a wonderful new devotion – The Sacred Heart of Jesus – which is giving me wonderful strength.

The monks are very inspirational with their wonderful dedication to our Lord.  Their prayers throughout the day are so beautiful and focused outward on our world and its brokenness.  Their words are so hopeful.  This was a great experience that I would like to repeat during Lent in coming years.