Retreats Offered At Holy Spirit Monastery In Conyers

By ERIKA ANDERSON, Staff Writer

Published: December 4, 2003

CONYERS—The Cistercian monks at the Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery sponsor retreats throughout the year.

The monks will present “Suffering: From Curse to Blessing,” Jan 2-4.

During this retreat, participants will deal with the mystery of suffering. This helps retreatants to acknowledge their pains and trials by allowing them to speak of them in a safe place. Participants will learn to transform their wounds into a healing light for others through Jesus’ love, and they will learn that suffering can be a precious gift, pouring out healing love to others.

On Jan. 23-25, “Trappist/Cistercian Spirituality for the Laity” will be offered. This retreat will show how the Rule of St. Benedict is applicable to the life of the layperson. Monks and lay Cistercians will share with participants the treasure that St. Benedict has brought into their lives by living his Rule. Retreatants will be introduced to the Psalms as they are prayed through the Liturgy of the Hours and to Lection Divina whereby the Scriptures become a living word to touch and transform lives.

The principles of silence, solitude, work and community will also be presented, and participants will have time to question, share, learn and pray together.

Private retreats are also offered all weeks and weekends without special scheduled retreats.

Private retreats offer participants abundant time to be alone with God in silent love. Two talks are offered to help participants to allow the Lord to touch and transform their lives through the Liturgy of the Hours, quiet prayer (centering prayer), prayerful reading, reflection, journaling, peaceful recreation and discernment.

These retreats, by nature, offer the possibility of the deepest immersion into silent being with God in love and listening. They also offer the opportunity for participants to leave behind their cares of life, relax in God’s presence and share about their lives with a monk.

Retreats are offered from Monday after 1 p.m. until Thursday after lunch, and Friday after 1 p.m. until Sunday after lunch.

Participants are asked to schedule their arrivals before 8 p.m. when the retreat house doors are locked. The main monastery gate is locked at 9 p.m. and opened at 4 a.m.

A $50 registration fee is required and participants are asked to give a free will donation upon departure. The suggested fee is $60 per night.

Bed and bath linens and food are provided. Participants need only bring their toiletries.

Reservations can be made by phone by calling (770) 760-0959, between 10:10 a.m. and 12 p.m. or between 2:10 p.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays; or between 2:10 p.m. and 3 p.m. on weekends.