Participants were asked to reflect on the experience of the Retreat. Several responses are featured below:
On the eve of the first Sunday of Lent, Carol Beevers SSJ inspired us with a wealth of insights, images, music and poetry as she guided us in a reflection: Journeying through Lent to the Beloved of God. Leaning into the poetry of Jan Richardson, she encouraged us to BECOME THE BELOVED in the common places of our daily existence, in the ordinariness of our thoughts and conversations, remembering to stay grounded in who we are…God’s Beloved. It was in the desert where Jesus was prepared for mission, where he was led to take on a new perspective. Perhaps it is in being led into the desert of this Lenten pandemic where we can ask God to show us a new way. Once we know our Belovedness, we can speak, act, and share in Jesus’ mission, S. Carol assured us, being open to God’s transforming grace during these 40 days of Lent. The poem, BELOVED, begins with, “If you would enter into the wilderness, do not begin without a blessing.” Thank you, S. Carol, for being that blessing to and for us.
—Lil Needham SSJ
Saturday's Lenten Retreat was an inspiring experience which resulted in the spiritual direction that was needed for my Lenten journey this year. It has always been a challenge to determine what "I want to give up" for Lent. This Lenten Retreat not only identified me as "His Beloved", but "summoned" me "to give up my plans "and "Follow Him—Jesus", the center of my joy and focus on this journey.
—Darcella Mercer-Wilson, SSJ Associate Mission
Saturday's session did not fill us with books to read, novenas to say, or meals of bread and water. Sister Carol gave us an invitation to travel into our hearts with the One who crafted them. There are no great mountains to climb up—just a place to snuggle into. The morning renewed our real name and real position as the beloved. She gave us a pathway to make these 40 days an authentic journey into intimacy with our Lord.
—Betty Zywicki, Associate in Mission
We very much enjoyed the Lenten retreat given by S. Carol Beevers on the morning of February 20th. A wonderful way to begin the season of Lent. We loved the song to start, the various readings and quotes that S. Carol weaved through the session. It was both thought provoking and peaceful.
Thank you for opening this up to us.
—Chris & John Prendergast
