SPIRITUALITY DAYS: On March 18 and 19, Sisters gathered for retreat time at St. Francis Convent. As part of the retreat, Sisters shared thoughts and insights in small groups. Composing one group were, from left, Sisters Sally Ann Brickner, Cecelia Blonde, Lynne Marie Simonich, Monica Rose Bongert and Francis Bangert. (Renae Bauer photo)
Sisters’ retreat days focus on the gifts and struggles that come with change
by Sister Jane Riha
In the midst of the Lenten Season, a time for reflection, the Sisters gathered for two days to learn and reflect together on the journey of life that we share so intimately. Our presenter, Gabriela Caballero-Moersfelder, a psychotherapist with a theology degree and a trained spiritual director, guided us in the exploration of the transitions of our lives. The retreat title: “Liminal Space: Where Spirituality Meets Transition” led us into the meaning of liminal space. The best explanation is aptly described by Richard Rohr, a priest and prolific writer. He describes liminal space as the place “Where we are betwixt and between the familiar and the completely unknown. There alone is our old world left behind, while we are not yet sure of the new existence.”
At this turning point of our lives as an aging community faced with important decisions, looking deeply into the transitions of our lives both individually and communally was a great blessing. Using the beautiful imagery of the major changes, transition and transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly in nature, the presenter helped the participants to have a sense of both the pain, suffering, and emerging beauty that flows from major changes and transitions in our lives.
The presenter sent the participants a pre-retreat preparation activity aimed at surfacing some of the transitions experienced as an individual. The significance of these individual transitions was shared in small groups. Our spiritual journey is akin to our humanity, the joys and sorrows of life are intermingled. God’s presence through the major shifts, changes, and transitions of our lives is coupled often with deep feelings, all part of who we are as persons.
As we grow older, there is still the realization that growth and new perspectives are revealed when one has an open and discerning heart. The ability to see God’s hand in all that occurs in our lives leads to acceptance, peace and trust. The blessings of the two spirituality days linger on in our lives.
