Retreatant shares intimate letter with Men of Manresa

Dear brothers in Christ,

I have just returned from my annual retreat at Manresa. This retreat, as always, changed my life in some sense. I was somewhat disappointed by the liberal approach that the retreat master has taken toward the life of Jesus, and I didn't totally agree with his definition of sin. But as I review my notes, I pray they will give me a better perception of what he was relaying to us.

I have to mention that this was one of my toughest retreats. I started the weekend with the guilt of leaving my beautiful wife in a particularly stressful situation at home. I know in my heart of hearts that it was Satan trying to keep me away. I also have to mention that I learned that a close family member died on the first day of the retreat. She had been sick for quite a while, so it was not a surprise. I had a vision at 11:00 AM that day, that she had released herself to Christ. She was medically pronounced dead at 1:30 PM. I have no regrets, because I have known her my entire life. I know that every night she knelt down before the Lord and professed her faith through the Rosary. I know Mary was with her to comfort her through the whole ordeal.

This brings me to what I experienced during the retreat. I have come to an understanding that I need to know Mary more. Not only to know her, but to love her as my mother. This will be tough because of the love I have for my mother. It is also tough because a few years back I developed the protestant excuse for not honoring Mary. I have found two books, "Christ's Mother & Ours" and "Mary's Journey." Hopefully, they will help me understand a true devotion to Mary. I dedicated this retreat to my wife, who has the heart of Mary. To my friends and those who need to find the truth in our faith!

A.M.D.G.,
Your fellow Men of Manresa member

PS: I didn't take many pictures because the battery in the camera went out. It is ironic during this retreat the camera battery loses its charge while I'm charging my spiritual battery. I was able to make confession with Fr. Romagosa. He is a great man! He said "that confession doesn't tell us who we are, it tells us who we do not want to be." He asked "that God's patience, compassion and forgiveness be upon us, as we are patience, compassion, and forgiveness to those that we love.”

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