Several of the 109 men in attendance at the July 17 - 20 retreat at Manresa were already familiar with Deacon Bob Furlow from his many appearances on television as the Archdiocese of Baton Rouge's director of communications. In addition, Furlow had amazingly close geographical and professional ties to most - if not all - of the diverse groups from Natchez, Jackson, Pierre Part, Napoleonville, Belle Grove, Destrehan, and beyond. But in the introductory remarks of the first of his 11 retreat lectures, Deacon Bob made it perfectly clear that it would not be him that would direct the retreat; it would be the Holy Spirit.

As the retreat progressed, it was obvious that he was absolutely correct.

Over the course of the next three days - in spite of his gifted voice and eloquent delivery for 30 minutes at a time - it was the Holy Spirit who would direct the men's thoughts and conviction throughout the day. Although Deacon Bob planted a seed with effective visual aids, refreshing humor, and captivating anecdotes during his lectures, it was the subsequent silently reflective dialogues with God that yielded the bountiful harvest. And the examples, exercises, and drama that he presented from the podium in comfortable Loyola Hall only served to fuel each man's personal journey with the Spirit during the ample free time between talks.

The brief prayer with which Deacon Bob began each lecture spoke volumes to the retreatants and was quickly adopted by them in their spiritual quest:

"Heavenly Father, give me the grace to desire what you desire for me. Lord Jesus, give me your peace and your spirit. Holy Spirit, pray in me as you want me to pray.

"God give me the grace to know and follow Jesus. Unite me to your Son in such a way that all who know me - may see and know Jesus."

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