In the invitation to attend the retreat Fr. Marek Sadowski, Provincial of New England wrote: “Most of us serve in parishes and because of all our activities, we sometimes do not have time for private adoration”. And describing this time of encounter with God he continued: “Also, when serving in parishes, we prepare many conferences and preach many homilies. During this retreat there will be no homilies and conferences.”

Confreres from our communities in Brooklyn, NY (both houses), Derby, CT, New Haven, CT and Provincial came to Villa St. Vincent, a retreat and recreation residence of the CM Eastern Province almost on a coast line of Cape May, NJ. The retreat started on  Monday afternoon, October 8 and finished on Friday morning, October 12.

Indeed, Adoration of the exposed Blessed Sacrament was the highlight of each day of the retreat. Twice a day, in the morning and in the afternoon Jesus Christ was present in the Blessed Sacrament for adoration, common prayer of the Church (Breviary), meditation and reflection in silence. Eucharist followed the exposition every day. Of course, there was time for social activities and staying private in silence. too.

On Friday, on their way back to Brooklyn and Connecticut all confreres visited Brother Joseph Zurowski, who is a resident in St. Catherine’s Infirmary, St. Vincent’s Seminary, Philadelphia, PA, the Motherhouse of the Eastern province. They came right in lunchtime meet brother Joe, other Confreres and visiting Miraculous Medal Shrine. Everybody enjoyed the visit very much.