On March 24-28 and March 31 to April 4, 2025, the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico celebrated its annual spiritual retreat.
Normally, the friars of Mexico hold their annual retreat during the summer, in June or July. However, due to various upcoming appointments, including the celebration of their 4th Ordinary Provincial Chapter, they conducted their retreat sessions earlier this year.
The retreat sessions took place at the Maria Immacolata Friary and Formation House in the State of Mexico. They were led by Friar José Luis SOLÍS ALCÁNTAR, from the same Province, who reflected on the discovery of the presence of God in one’s personal history, in imitation of the people of Israel who knew how to recognize God present in their journey. The dynamic was simple: a brief introduction with biblical quotations, then some notes and questions to stimulate reflection. The atmosphere of silence, which fostered the action of the Holy Spirit in the friars, was invaluable.
Although the experience of silence was not easy for everyone, most of the friars fully adhered to it. At the end, during an informal discussion of the event, the friars noted the brothers noted that this effort was very fruitful and yielded positive results. In addition to spiritual growth, it’s important to highlight that this retreat, which gathered friars from the various presences of the Order in Mexico, was a truly enjoyable experience. Moreover, the postulants from the hosting friary helped make the organization of the retreat much easier.
May this God-given moment of grace awaken great desire for holiness in each of the friars.
Friar Jorge HERNÁNDEZ DE LUNA
