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DIOCESAN SILENT RETREAT

Sponsored by the Commission on Spirituality

 

Participants in the eighth annual diocesan Silent Retreat explored the theme of  “Benedictine Hospitality and Everyday Living,” led by the Rev. Michael McKay, OSB. Father Michael, a Benedictine monk who serves as chaplain of Wheeling Hospital, explained the monastic practice of hospitality as set forth in the Rule of St. Benedict, offered scriptural examples of hospitality, and shared personal stories of extending and receiving hospitality. In homilies, the retreat leader related the Gospel passages to the practice of hospitality.

  

At the opening session, Father Michael placed tiny scrolls – each containing a biblical

verse relating to hospitality – in a large bowl. He invited each retreatant to take a scroll and use that particular passage as a focus for prayer, meditation and reflection during the retreat.

  

Sponsored by the diocesan Commission on Spirituality, the Lenten retreat was held at Bishop Hodges Pastoral Center, Huttonsville, Feb. 21-24. Silence was maintained throughout the retreat, which began Thursday evening and concluded Sunday morning. Attending the retreat were laity and clergy from throughout the Diocese and from Pittsburgh, Pa., and Barnesville, Ohio.

  

Services of Holy Eucharist, Vespers and Compline were offered during the retreat. The Diocese’s portable labyrinth was set up in the center’s large meeting room, and many retreatants used the labyrinth for walking meditation. Participants also had ample free time to pray, meditate, reflect, rest, read and explore the natural surroundings of the countryside.

  

The Rev. Richard L. Skaggs, a member of the Commission, coordinated liturgy and music for the retreat. Fr. Richard and Canon Donald Vinson, also a member of the Commission, celebrated Holy Eucharist. They and Commission member Linda S. Comins led Vespers and Compline. Commission member Carol Beall provided music for the services.

 

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