Dr. Kevin Hay
Serenity in a tumultuous world — what a dream!
We juggle the demands of work and family in this hectic life, ever more pressured by the constant connectedness. We stress out over minor issues, like getting that perfect holiday ‘selfie’ in that perfect exotic location: Smile! The world is now entering a third year of contagion from COVID19 as we struggle with the backlog of other problems — for me that includes colleagues who want to be the Bringers of Death, instead of providing comfort to the body and soul of their patients. Often, we leave our deepest issues as an after-thought: those personal failings — our “brokenness.”
Humans often seek respite in the wrong places. Laziness; anger; avoidance; withdrawal; gluttony; prognostication, etc. Some get trapped in the very destructive elements of “Sex, Drugs and Rock’n Roll” while seeking a false promise of escape. So, where do we find serenity? There are many ‘retreats’ which can relieve the hassles of daily life briefly. Some get pampered in a health spa, while others focus on healthy eating or returning to nature. There are ‘detox’ retreats ranging from “Colon Cleanse Retreats” (yowzer!) to those which help people with serious alcohol & drug issues. Meditation retreats give a sense of inner peace and self-awareness, but I would suggest that most of these are only respites from the fray: we need a proper antidote to the toxic mixture in our modern life!
My choice has been for a silent retreat at Mount St. Francis [MSF] Retreat Centre at Cochrane, Alberta, in view of the Canadian Rockies. The Centre has been run by Franciscan Friars since 1949 and they bring a welcoming, inclusive, tolerant attitude to their retreats. Director Susan Campbell, notes that a silent retreat ‘helps us to hear that inner voice’ which is often drowned-out in the cacophony of daily living. The Franciscans believe our ‘brokenness’ can only be healed through spiritual healing: a.k.a. finding or ‘meeting’ God.
Most retreats at MSF are for weekends, but some go up to 6-7 days. MSF provides several types of retreat, the commonest being silent weekends which can be for men alone, women alone, or mixed. “Serenity” retreats are for those challenged by addiction. Then there are youth & Anglican retreats and the Centre is sometimes used by other groups (Buddhists come for meditation retreats) or individuals who come for non-structured retreats: all are welcome!
On the silent weekends, Retreatants must be quiet after dinner/supper Friday to lunch on Sunday. The Friars or the Retreat Director give talks on the ‘theme’ of the retreat (such as Forgiveness or “wHoliness.”) For those who wish, there is individual spiritual counselling, prayers in the peace-filled chapel, Mass, Communion, Reconciliation and access to their extensive library. The sacraments are provided ‘in-house’ because some of the Friars are also Priests. (Who knew?!) Accommodations are basic but very comfortable and clean. Each room has a bed, sink and a small reading table, with a Bible. The meals are good, solid food and for those of us with insomnia there are snacks, fruit and hot beverages available 24/7. One of the things which has brought me back to MSF is the stunning view of the Rockies and the 500 acres of pristine woodland. MSF recommends a donation to cover their expenses but will gladly retreat anyone for whatever they can afford, or for free if they cannot.
The area surrounding Mt. Saint Francis Retreat Centre
The November Men’s retreat was hampered by the COVID restrictions so was much smaller than normal — even better for us retreatants. I had some meals with a retired Anglican doctor and a Lutheran minister who was taking a solo retreat to write his memoirs: pity there was not more time to chat. (One noted his satisfaction with the individualized menu accommodating his lactose & gluten-free diet.) The retreat house has no Wi-Fi, no TV and retreatants are gently encouraged to turn off their mobiles/cell phones.
So who should consider going on a retreat? Everyone!
More-so, if you perceive something is missing in your life, or if you know it is time to listen to that inner voice, or if you struggle with some significant problem — though perhaps it is just the right time to to reconnect with God.
People should also consider what they need from a retreat. Many Catholics are hurt and angry with the Church and have not been to Mass in a long, long time. If lapsed, you might want the option of attending the sacraments. Similarly, if you suspect that you need individual counselling or Reconciliation, choose a retreat where these are available. Most will be surprised how fast the time flies when silent, but perhaps start with a short retreat, just in case! You can always come back.
So, what of the Serenity? Definitely the retreat has given me a glimpse of Peace. Hopefully that leads me to being a wee bit kinder, or tad more Christian, especially when others are in need.
Pax.
