On February 18-24, 2024, postulants from Italy, Spain and Croatia met in Rome to immerse themselves in a significant spiritual experience by participating in an Ignatian style spiritual retreat.
A total of twenty-six participants attended the retreat. They came from the formation houses of the Province of Our Lady of Monserrat in Spain; the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua (Northern Italy); the Italian Province of St. Francis of Assisi (Central Italy); the Province of the Seraphic Father St. Francis in Italy (Naples); the Provincial Custody of St. Bonaventure in France-Belgium; and the Province of St. Jerome in Croatia.
The participants were accompanied by their formators: Friar Juan Luis CORMENZANA CARPIO (Spain); Friars Alessandro PERISSINOTTO and Thomas BOURQUEROD (Brescia, Italy); Friars Lucio MASSACCESI and Luca MARCATTILI (Osimo, Italy); and Friars Gabriel PANGILINAN and Vito MANCA Nocera Inferiore, Italy) They were all graciously welcomed at the Maria Domenica Barbantini Holiday House, located in a quiet neighborhood of Rome, surrounded by the greenery of well-kept gardens.
During the retreat, the aspirants to religious life took part in deep meditation and contemplation, in keeping with the theme of the retreat: “The Way of Abraham.” The retreat was led by Father Nicolò MAZZA, SJ. His enlightening and thought provoking words helped the participants explore the challenges and blessings of Abraham’s journey of faith, finding meaningful parallels in their own lives and for their vocational discernment.
The retreat took place in a setting of deep silence, in order to facilitate recollection and meditation, and create a beautiful atmosphere of spiritual communion. This retreat was a promising time for the postulants to deepen their relationship with God, discern their vocation and renew their commitment to follow the path of faith with confidence and hope in the future.
Friar Thomas BOURQUEROD
