On September 12-17, 2022, the friars of the community of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome went to the Nostra Signora di Gesù Retreat Center in San BartolomeoCave, near Rome, for their annual spiritual retreat. They were warmly welcomed by the Franciscans Sisters of the Heart of Jesus, who run the center.
This valuable experience was characterized by the silence and fraternal atmosphere that is so important for the spiritual life. The property around the retreat center was green and park-like, filled with flowers and sheltered by imposing chestnut trees. The friars spent time reflecting on what they heard in the meditations offered by our good confrere-preacher, Friar Zdzisław KIJAS. The theme of the retreat was, “The Later Rule: Paths of Maturation.”
The Later Rule was studied and reexamined in order to revive the full meaning of the founder’s evangelical choice in today’s world. At each chapter, Friar Zdzisław presented his own in-depth study, giving the friars an opportunity to review and renew their adherence to our Lord Jesus Christ.
The retreat concluded with Mass on September 17, the Feast of the Sacred Stigmata of Our Seraphic Father St. Francis. Refreshed in body and spirit, the friars returned to their beloved house in Rome, where, as always, they were affectionately welcomed home by the other confreres.
Friar Domenico CASTIGLIONE
