A time of Grace at Home: when Memory becomes a Source of Renewal

At the Infant Jesus Community in Mallow, Ireland, being unable to travel is no obstacle to spiritual life. The sisters chose to “drink from their own deep wells” by hosting a three-day retreat at home, shared with sisters from other communities. Discover the inspiring story of these days filled with sisterhood, healing, and gratitude.

« In our Community, many of our sisters are unable any more to go to a Retreat Centre to make their annual Retreat and they miss that very much. Each of us has had a long life and years of experience of mission at home and abroad. We have heard many homilies, read many books, and attended many courses over the years. We decided we could “drink from our own deep wells” as Nicolas Barre advised: "Be a fountain rather than a cistern, live and give life to others”.  (MD 9). e invited Infant Jesus Sisters from other communities to come and join us.

So, in August, we had a welcome  three day silence in the house.  We had a  simple non

threatening daily programme to which each one contributed.   We began each day with Mass in our chapel.  Then each morning we had a Lectio Divina session in which each one present shared their insights, memories and prayer.  The theme was “The Woman at the Well” and we divided the gospel story into shorter sections over the three days, which gave us more time to savour each word. 

In the afternoon, we had a “faith sharing” prayer in which the participants were free to share any reflection, memory of childhood, of people encountered who were significant to them, stories from their years of ministry… These sessions were often touching into our own experiences and there were some moving moments that enriched each one present and helped us to know and understand each other better. In the evening, we spent a short time in quiet silence together,  looking back over the day, resting in The Lord.  

One afternoon a priest friend came to lead a Penitential Service during which we received absolution. We were each anointed with the Oil of the Sick, bringing inner healing and strengthening us for the onward journey.

It was a grace filled time that  bound us closer to each other and filled us with gratitude. » Sr Georgina