Retreats

2008 Weekend Retreat May 16th - 18th at Pallotti College(see below)

Day Retreat Magnificat House 9th August

Other Retreats at many locations- inquiries welcome

Pallotti College is a Retreat Centre nestled in the foothills of Mt. Donna Buang, approximately 70 kms from Melbourne, in the picturesque Yarra Valley. For 40 years Pallotti College has been a place of Spiritual renewal and peaceful revival.

The cost per person is* $130 ($110 pensioners) for single room accommodation, bed linen provided (some double beds available for married couples) and including all meals from supper on the Friday night to lunch on Sunday. Shared bathroom facilities. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL. 03 9328 4757

Catch the Lilydale train from Spencer Street (departs 3.03pm, arrives 4.03pm). Then catch the 683 Bus (Chirnside Park to Warburton) from Lilydale station (departs 4.15pm, arrives 4.59pm).Arrange for someone to pick them you up from the bus stop. The Melway Map Ref. for Pallotti College is 289 A2.

For me, a spiritual retreat is one which gives me the opportunity to re-energise; re-organise my priorities, and to get to know ‘things’ (in this case God, myself and others in the Legion of Mary) better.

The recent annual Legion of Mary retreat, held at the Pallotti College, nestled in the foothills of Mount Donna Buang (about 70 kilometres east of Melbourne), from Friday May13th to Pentecost Sunday May 15^th, provided me with more than what I had expected. It gave me and all 28 attendees the chance to learn more about God – through several excellent theological discourses provided by Fr. John Winston (Spiritual Director for the Melbourne Senatus). Two topics in particular, stood out (at least for me) - the quality of Divine mercy and on the need for a theocentric world.

The retreat also provided several legionaries to acquaint themselves more with astronomy and star gazing (quite appropriate when one thinks of Mother Mary as the bright celestial star), through a powerful telescope that one guest, Peter, had brought to the retreat centre. The retreat also enabled us to draw close to the beauty of nature, especially with nature walks along picturesque countryside blessed with scenic mountains and woods.

Fr. John’s talk on theocentrism was especially delightful. Theocentrism principally refers to the relationship of keeping God at the centre of our lives (as opposed to egocentrism). He said, historically, in Europe at least, villages and towns usually had a church at the centre of each locality. However, over the years, with greater materialism and secularism, people had begun to forget God, and the church is no longer the centre (geographical or spiritual) of our lives.

“In Europe nowadays, people consider the big cathedrals as vestiges of a bygone era,” he said. “So cathedrals serve more the function of a museum, than a sacred place of worship.”

As he delivered his words on the subject, I could not help but reminisce about the homily that the current Pope Benedict the XVI gave at his ordination, where the holy pontiff urged society to return to God, as it presently existed in a moral desert, devoid of the lush fruits of the faith.

Father John also spoke about the quality of mercy - especially of God’s mercy. Using interesting examples and anecdotes, he stressed on the need for each of us to be forgiving of ourselves and our neighbours, as God our Father is forgiving of us. He stressed the importance of humility in being able to accept God’s forgiveness.

An interesting example he gave was, “It’s like going to the doctor when we are sick. Sometimes, we tend to throw away the medication down the sink, because we couldn’t be bothered to take it. But the doctor’s aim is to make us well. The same analogy applies with God’s love and mercy. We need to participate in receiving mercy fully.”

On Saturday evening of the retreat, a double treat was accorded to the attendees. First was a recent American television production on the late Pope John Paul II. For two hours, we were treated to the overabundant grace and beauty of our previous pontiff. This activity was followed by a late-evening star-gazing session, where Peter, a Polish physicist explained the secrets of the Milky Way and the relative positions of the stars, constellations and planets. Alas, amongst the planets, only Jupiter (with her 71 moons) was clearly visible through the telescope that night.

The retreat also gave the legionaries to get to know the patron saint – Saint Vincent Pallotti (also the namesake of the centre) - a lot better. Saint Pallotti was a 19^th century Italian priest who was canonised by Pope John XXIII in 1963 for his work in helping the sick during a serious cholera epidemic (amongst other works) and for his founding of the Society of Catholic Apostolate (the Pallottines). The gracious saint is known for these words: “God always in everything.”

Interspersed with the regular masses, recitations of the holy rosary, catena and allocutios was plenty of quiet time to reflect on God and on our lives, and our relations with others. The surrounding countryside provided the ideal backdrop for this. Adjacent to the retreat centre is a lush wooded forest with a gently flowing brook by the entrance to it. The peaceful quiet of the area is in stark contrast to the cacophony of sounds that one has to put up with, in the concrete jungles of cities.

On Pentecost Sunday, the legionaries were treated to a wonderful celebratory mass read by Fr. Dean Bradbury, the director of the Pallotti College. With the bible readings focusing on God’s constant love and presence (the descent of the Holy Spirit, the comforter and advocate, following the Ascension of Our Lord to Heaven fifty days prior), and the unity, which the apostles and disciples of Jesus experienced then.

Perhaps one of the most striking attributes of the legion, especially evident during the retreat, is the diversity of its membership. There were people of all ages, from vastly differing walks of life, various nationalities and occupations. The harsh realities of the secular world seemed completely lost, as each of us got along famously with each other. Everyone was in a good mood, smiling and resonating with the unparalleled beauty of our beloved Mother Mary.

The legionaries were also treated to a wonderful roast beef lunch on Pentecost Sunday, and with several members volunteering to wash the dishes, the centre’s kitchen staff were especially sad to see us leave.

Perhaps this report would not be complete without a mention of the resident young kookaburra bird that is seen perched outside the kitchen there. The rather rotund and fluffy bird, providing much joy to all of us.

In a nutshell, the retreat was certainly a wonderful period of reflection, and as one legionary mentioned, “It would be good to have at least two retreats of this nature annually.”

I am sitting in the chapel of the Sacred Heart Church where the Blessed Sacrament is perpetually exposed in a most unusual monstrance. This is the last day of our retreat at this beautiful old monastery and it has been a wonderful experience. First of all, to be in the company of Our Lord who has truly made Himself available to us the whole time. Starting with our arrival on Friday night, we were invited to join in the parish Youth Holy Hour led by Fr. Anthony Denton. This was not on our program, but was a beautiful and most fitting way to start a retreat which focused on the Eucharist.

Fr. John celebrated Mass for us and after supper we recited Night Prayer, before retiring to our rooms. Looking out from the window of my room, I could clearly see the Blessed Sacrament in its glowing red monstrance coming from the chapel. What a bonus! (The chapel was available to us 24 hours a day for quiet prayer and adoration.)

Next morning I was up early – and so were a few other people, including Father John. Before breakfast, I had a chance to wander around the beautiful grounds of the monastery which is located on a picturesque hill overlooking the Dandenongs. Morning Prayer and Rosary preceded Fr. John’s first talk on the Eucharist. We then prepared for Holy Mass. As Father celebrated Mass he explained various parts of the liturgy to us, which was most enlightening.

After lunch in the magnificent dining room (which I imagine was formerly the refectory), Fr. John gave his second talk. This quiet and unassuming priest impressed us all with his extensive knowledge of scripture and church history. Then followed exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for most of the afternoon and time for quiet reflection, prayer and adoration. There was also an opportunity for confession.

Evening prayer was recited before a delicious dinner. As we received news of the federal election, we decided to pray a rosary for our country and its leadership. Then followed supper and night prayer before retiring to our rooms.

The weather up till then had been quite overcast, but Sunday morning we awoke to the most glorious day. Someone suggested saying our morning prayers outdoors next to a beautiful old statue of Our Lady. Br. Vincent led the Divine Office; we did our best to try and chant the psalms (not very well I’m afraid!). We then proceeded to Mass in the church and the gospel reading was all about giving thanks. I’m sure we all had plenty of reasons to give thanks to God for, on this beautiful day. After reciting the Angelus and the Catena, we were treated to a roast lunch and then it was time to say our goodbyes.

On the first night of the retreat Father John had told us that we would all take something away from the retreat. I took away many things. As well as spending quality time with the Lord, away from the many distractions of home, it was wonderful to be in the company of so many lovely, spiritual people. Some I had only met for the first time, others I had seen many times at Senatus meetings but had never really had a chance to speak to. This was a great opportunity to get to know each other a little better, to be in fellowship and share in our love of Jesus and Mary.

All the preparation and stress leading up to the weekend had been worth it. I was ready to return home and face the challenges ahead with renewed vigour.

As I drove home with my fellow legionaries on this perfect Sunday afternoon my heart was filled with deep gratitude for all the graces which I knew Our Lord and Our Lady had blessed us with. Lucy Sgro

Day Retreats and Acies Ceremonies

are held in various areas and dates throughout the Year.

Contact our Main Office on 9328 4757 for referrals

2003

2002

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