By Matthews Noble
“O sinners, return to your own heart and abide in Him that made you.”
(St. Augustine, Confessions, 4.XII.18)
In some ways, this quote from St Augustine summed up the focus of the annual retreat for seminarians from the Propaedeutic and Discipleship stages of formation at Corpus Christi College. After the joy and excitement of the recent ordinations to the priesthood of three of our brothers, it was time to step away and recollect ourselves in silence.
On the 21st of September, we made our way to Santhom Grove (previously known as Pallotti College), for a five-day retreat conducted by Fr David Braithwaite SJ. Formed in the spirituality of St Ignatius of Loyola, Fr David guided us through a modified and condensed version of the spiritual exercises. We were also encouraged to contemplate the Sacred Heart of Jesus and His love for us, through an experience of which priests are called to radiate out that same love in mission to the world. Focusing on this theme, each of our days consisted of a talk in the morning by Fr David, followed by long periods of silence throughout the day, to spend time on the various meditations from the spiritual exercises. The only other times we spent together was during Mass, Morning and Evening Prayer, Holy Hour, and meals. Father David encouraged us to maintain a strict atmosphere of silence at all times to give each other the space to listen to God speaking to us in our hearts. He reminded us that it is only through an intimate relationship with Christ that we can be faithful in our formation.
On the last day of the retreat, we were visited by our rector Fr Cameron Forbes. There was also some time to relax around a campfire, before heading back home the following day.
We thank God for the opportunity for this time of prayer, for Fr David for guiding us in this retreat, and for all those who pray for us.
