Silent Retreat

[fieldsparrow]

a 30-day silent retreat is not as easy as it sounds. It requires the would-be retreatant to undergo preparations with spiritual direction for weeks or months before the retreat, e.g. a series of recollection and/or 3-5 day silent retreats. I’ve seen unprepared retreatants lose their minds during the lengthy retreat. :eek

Without addressing the interim posts, which I haven’t had time to read and consider… I think I may have sounded slightly glib about a 30-day silent retreat in my initial post. It’s something I aspire to in years to come, after much preparation. While 2 days were pretty easy, especially with all the structure in place, 30 days would be a different thing altogether. A wonderful thing, I think, but like you said, requiring a lot of work. It’s not a vacation in the typical sense; I was pretty exhausted after my two intense days.

Anyway, just rambling.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

Without addressing the interim posts, which I haven’t had time to read and consider… I think I may have sounded slightly glib about a 30-day silent retreat in my initial post. It’s something I aspire to in years to come, after much preparation. While 2 days were pretty easy, especially with all the structure in place, 30 days would be a different thing altogether. A wonderful thing, I think, but like you said, requiring a lot of work. It’s not a vacation in the typical sense; I was pretty exhausted after my two intense days.

Anyway, just rambling.

Yes, the whole idea of 30 days of silence and the intense prayer required of the Spiritual Exercises, for me is both fascinating and freightening!

Might I suggest that you, or anyone, who wants an interesting retreat experience, look into the 19th Annotation of the Spritual Exercises. It is a provision, which Ignatius himself added, as even he realized that not everyone is capable of making at 30-day retreat.

In the 19th, you go through the exercises, much as you would in 30 days, but over the course of 30 weeks. You must commit to at least 1 hour of prayer a day (in addition to your normal prayer routine) using the exercises and the scripture that enhances them. You meet with a spiritual director for an hour a week and, at least in my case, an hour for teaching/group sharing.

Here is a link to a website by some young Jesuits that uses the Spiritual Exercises for a Lenten reflection. It will give a pretty good overview as to how the exercises work.

If you can’t already tell, I am an Ignatius junkie!!
The exercises changed my life, and St. Ignatius is the patron of retreats!

 

[fieldsparrow]

Thanks. I have been curious about finding a spiritual director for the 19th Annotation; I do have a translation of the SpEx and I try to work my way through it, but as a new Catholic I feel like I don’t quite have the background. I have recently heard back from Miles Christi, with whom I did a two-day retreat on the SpEx, about formation groups. So that might be a great opportunity.

I am interested, Oneofthewomen, in your comments about emotions and the Ignatian exercises, but I don’t want to derail this, so I think I will PM you instead. It might take me a few days though

 

[mullenpm]

As the OP, I don’t mind if this thread is derailed; I have enough suggestions to find a retreat that suits me; and, I find the discussion about the Spiritual Exercises very enlightening.

 

[TimothyH]

I don’t see anything wrong with having a buddhist monk for a friend.

But that’s not the same as inviting buddhist monks into a Catholic church to pray their pagan prayers.

Buddhism offends Our Lord. It should offend you too.

Yea, but everything doesn’t have to be turned into a war.

Buddhism doesn’t offend me because I choose not to be offended by it. It’s really that simple. And if the Abbot saw fit to allow it, then who am I to question?

And maybe the monks were led to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit by God for a reason. Maybe God wanted them to see the Eucharist being recieved and wanted them to hear the brothers pray to God and to Mary. Maybe one of the Buddhist monks asked, “Who is this Jesus to whom you pray?”

God led me to that monastery for a reason, that’s for sure, and the weekend I spent there with the brothers changed my life. Maybe God wanted that for the Buddhists monks as well.

-Tim-

 

[YankeeRC]

Does anyone know of a retreat house that still makes available a silent retreat - preferably on the East Coast?

The Abbey of the Genesee’s (Trappist) retreats are always silent.

abbeyretreats.org/

I’m not too far from you (in NY) so its probably a 7-8 hour trip for you from Philly.

Weekends or full week reatreats. 1 hour a day talk by Father Jerome or another speaker. Full participation in all the hours of the Divine Office…even 2:25 am Vigils Silent meals (really good eats). Chapel in the guest house available 24/7.

I love this monestary and all the Brothers and Priests I have come to know over the last two years of going there. The hospitality of the monks, the grounds and everything is a living testimony to Benedictine spirituality that even if you only go once, make the trip to try it!

 

[TrueLight]

Why do -people go on silent retreats?
Is food provided?
Is there any conversation between attendees?
Is there any structure to the day?

 

[YankeeRC]

I can try to answer your questions based on my experiences.

Why do -people go on silent retreats?
To recharge our spiritual batteries, others go for discernment or to listen for God’s voice.
It can seem scary or awkward at first. One guy left after a few days during my first week. But its really not so strange once you realize everyone is there to enjoy the silence.

Is food provided?
See my previous post. Yes! 5 star home cooked food

Is there any conversation between attendees?
It is permissible in certain rooms, but there may be rules like no speaking after 7pm, no speaking during meals.

Is there any structure to the day?
Yes, at the the Trappist monestary there is a first day greeting/conference with a monk or priest, Liturgy of the Hours 6 times a day (optional), daily mass, daily 1 hr. talk by a monk or priest on a Catholic topic, e.g., the upcoming revision of the Missal. The grounds allow for reading or praying or contemplation.

 

[TrueLight]

I can try to answer your questions based on my experiences.

Why do -people go on silent retreats?
To recharge our spiritual batteries, others go for discernment or to listen for God’s voice.
It can seem scary or awkward at first. One guy left after a few days during my first week. But its really not so strange once you realize everyone is there to enjoy the silence.

Is food provided?
See my previous post. Yes! 5 star home cooked food

Is there any conversation between attendees?
It is permissible in certain rooms, but there may be rules like no speaking after 7pm, no speaking during meals.

Is there any structure to the day?

Yes, at the the Trappist monestary there is a first day greeting/conference with a monk or priest, Liturgy of the Hours 6 times a day (optional), daily mass, daily 1 hr. talk by a monk or priest on a Catholic topic, e.g., the upcoming revision of the Missal. The grounds allow for reading or praying or contemplation.

Thank you!

Sounds great!

 

[mullenpm]

True Light, I can tell you about my experience with silent retreats. I am a Third Order Carmelite (OCD) and my Chapter had our annual weekend retreat for many years at the Dominican Retreat House near Philadelphia (now no longer in existence).

After the Retreat began we did not talk among ourselves; we prayed the Office together at required hours during the day; we spent time alone in meditation; individually, we prayed the Rosary; we read Scripture and/or other appropriate reading material; and during meals the Dominican Sisters read to us, e.g., Lives of the Saints, etc… Our Spiritual Director (a Carmelite Priest) gave a number of conferences, heard Confessions; celebrated Daily Mass; met individually with those wishing to consult with him, etc. Speaking did resume after Sunday Mass and during our lunch together before we left for home.

Nothing scary about it at all; but, of course, it was a weekend, not 30 days and/or even a week, but it was wonderful.

My retreats since then have been not as satisfying; too much chatting (not unlike Sunday Mass in some churches now); group discussions, socializing, etc. I prefer the contemplative life which is why I am looking for a retreat that is truly a “retreat.” I believe I will find such a place among the suggestions posted.

 

[choliks]

Why do -people go on silent retreats?
Is food provided?
Is there any conversation between attendees?
Is there any structure to the day?

Basically, in an Ignatian silent retreat…

Because it is a time and place where people can be alone with God and encounter Him in prayer… in the beauty of nature, in the serenity of the monastery or the retreat house, in the silence that surrounds you, and in your heart.

Yes the monastery or retreat house provides the food. Almost all the time, as YankeeRC as said, the food is good.

The conversation between attendees usually happen at the beginning and at the end of the retreat if its a group. But once silence is enforced, the only person you can talk to is your spiritual director (silence during meal time is also enforced, unless necessary). Silence is enforced because the retreatant is supposed to be focusing one’s attention on God in his/her prayers. The fruits of his/her prayers are discussed with the spiritual director.

The spiritual director usually provides the structure: the theme, the scripture readings, and the amount of time spent on reflection and prayer, and, yes, when to take a break from prayer and exercise. If it’s an Ignatian Silent Retreat, it will be based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

I hope i made sense.

Here’s a song i love humming in my head when on a silent retreat…
The God of Silence:

The God of silence beckons me
To journey to my heart
Where He awaits
O Lord, I hear You calling tenderly
To You I come to gaze
At the beauty of Your face I cannot see

To rest in Your embrace I cannot feel
To dwell in Your love hurting but sweet
To be with You; to glimpse eternity

God of night, fount of all my delight.
Show Your light . . . that my heart, like Yours, burn bright.

Be still the torment of the night
Will not encumber you, if you believe
My child this darkness isn’t emptiness
For here I mold your heart
Unto My image painfully you long to see

The self you yearn to be, but fear to know
The world from which you flee in Me find home
All these I give you, if you remain in Me

COUNTERPOINT:
I am ever here
My child, you need not fear
The dark will set you free
And bring your heart to Me

I am ever here
My child, you need not fear
The dark will set you free
And bring your heart to Me

The God of silence beckons me
To journey to my heart
Where He awaits me.

youtube.com/watch?v=KigSUG5-kUg

 

[TrueLight]

Basically, in an Ignatian silent retreat…

Because it is a time and place where people can be alone with God and encounter Him in prayer… in the beauty of nature, in the serenity of the monastery or the retreat house, in the silence that surrounds you, and in your heart.

Yes the monastery or retreat house provides the food. Almost all the time, as YankeeRC as said, the food is good.

The conversation between attendees usually happen at the beginning and at the end of the retreat if its a group. But once silence is enforced, the only person you can talk to is your spiritual director (silence during meal time is also enforced, unless necessary). Silence is enforced because the retreatant is supposed to be focusing one’s attention on God in his/her prayers. The fruits of his/her prayers are discussed with the spiritual director.

The spiritual director usually provides the structure: the theme, the scripture readings, and the amount of time spent on reflection and prayer, and, yes, when to take a break from prayer and exercise. If it’s an Ignatian Silent Retreat, it will be based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

I hope i made sense.

Here’s a song i love humming in my head when on a silent retreat…

youtube.com/watch?v=KigSUG5-kUg

It seems like a great idea.
When my kids are grown, they will never find me LOL.

In all this silence does anyone just sleep all day?

 

[choliks]

It seems like a great idea.
When my kids are grown, they will never find me LOL.

In all this silence does anyone just sleep all day?

Not at all. You’ll usually find the retreatant in a corner of the monastery or retreat house, or in a chapel, hopefully, deep in prayer. Although you might fall asleep while meditating or contemplating the scriptures. LOL.

I used to have my silent retreat in a Jesuit novititate, and you’ll find me on a swing under a huge, old tree, or on a bench in the Jesuit cemetery. You may think its creepy, but it’s really peaceful there.

 

[DebChris]

Yea, but everything doesn’t have to be turned into a war.

Buddhism doesn’t offend me because I choose not to be offended by it. It’s really that simple. And if the Abbot saw fit to allow it, then who am I to question?

And maybe the monks were led to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit by God for a reason. Maybe God wanted them to see the Eucharist being recieved and wanted them to hear the brothers pray to God and to Mary. Maybe one of the Buddhist monks asked, “Who is this Jesus to whom you pray?”

God led me to that monastery for a reason, that’s for sure, and the weekend I spent there with the brothers changed my life. Maybe God wanted that for the Buddhists monks as well.

-Tim-

An anecdote I read years ago about meetings between Buddhists and Catholics.
2 priests met, but could not find anything in common. (They spoke of Theology).
2 monks met, and they understood each other perfectly.

After my time in Conyers, I did for a while receive e-mail postings from Holy Spirit Monastery. One of the postings included the newspaper article about the Buddhists visiting the monastery. We can very well learn from different religions without betraying our own Faith or traditions. Both Buddhist and Catholic monks detach from the world. The article included a reference to the shared vow of celebracy, and how the 2 different traditions dealt with distractions from this vow. In this case, the Catholic monks learned an effective method from the Buddhists.

Tim, like you, I am not offended by other religions. Much of this may to due to the amount of time I have spent overseas. We do not know how God is working in the life of another. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Light. No one comes to the Father except through me. And no one comes to me unless the Father draw him.” What we do not know is how God is drawing another person to Himself.

Why do -people go on silent retreats?
Is food provided?
Is there any conversation between attendees?
Is there any structure to the day?

I will admit when I first started going on retreats, food was the main draw. The food at St. Anthony’s is grown fresh in their own garden. When I was there, it was tended lovingly by a married couple who acted as caretakers for the grounds.
There was conversation between attendees until after the first meal. The day was very structured with a bell that rang for meals,talks, and community prayer. Confession was available throughout the retreat. Saturday evenings included a communal penance and healing service.

Holy Spirit monastery, on the other hand, was completely unstructured. I was in Conyers for a different reason, so I only spent one day on my own at the monastery. I met with one of the monks. We actually attended the same college in CA. I had an opportunity for confession and learned about centering prayer. I participated in the recitation of the LOTH with the community. I also spent time in the gift shop. The Trinitarian crucifix is now my favorite.

Retreats can have life changing effects.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

The Abbey of the Genesee’s (Trappist) retreats are always silent.

abbeyretreats.org/

I’m not too far from you (in NY) so its probably a 7-8 hour trip for you from Philly.

Weekends or full week reatreats. 1 hour a day talk by Father Jerome or another speaker. Full participation in all the hours of the Divine Office…even 2:25 am Vigils Silent meals (really good eats). Chapel in the guest house available 24/7.

I love this monestary and all the Brothers and Priests I have come to know over the last two years of going there. The hospitality of the monks, the grounds and everything is a living testimony to Benedictine spirituality that even if you only go once, make the trip to try it!

Love this place! Even though it’s less than 30 miles away from me, I never get there as often as I wish!! And they make the best bread I have ever had!!

 

[DebChris]

It seems like a great idea.
When my kids are grown, they will never find me LOL.

In all this silence does anyone just sleep all day?

Jesus said, “Come apart and rest awhile.” Priests and religious are required to make yearly retreats. A former parish priest said that he generally spent the first day sleeping.

Even in non-silent retreats, participants are often requested to maintain the Grand Silence which lasts from after Compline (night prayer) until after either morning Mass or breakfast.