Tuesday, June 30

I am back. Back from retreat. What a great week to pray, rest, listen to the wisdom of a veteran retreat master, renew some old friendships and, as the kids say today, just chill'en out.
Malvern has become a spiritual oasis for me in recent years. Being spiritually comfortable in familiar surroundings is an important ingredient at this point in my life journey. There are enough surprises in life to contend with. I want no surprises on retreat. I want to know where everything is. There is peace and calm in security. Perhaps some may call this a "rut". I see it differently and I know my spiritual needs at this moment and avoid as many obstacles as I can.

The Year of the Priests began on Friday, June 19th. Three days later I began my retreat. What a good way to begin this special year! With retreat.

We focused on St. John Vianney, patron of parish priests and, indeed, patron of all priests. Generally, I know a fair amount about the Cure D'Ars but I found out also how little I know about Vianney. So, I have committed to reading his life right now. I am waiting for the book to arrive in the mail - hopefully, this week.

At this moment in my life I share priesthood with four other priests and two seminarians. This is healthy and good and I feel that "it is good for me to be here". We gather daily for evening prayer. Dinner follows and is usually quite lively with exchanges from a wide scope of experiences. Those of us older enjoy the input of the younger men and the seminarians seem open to listening to the experiences of men ordained many years. Good laughter echoes thoughout this cavernous rectory made much less cavernous since it is blessed to be filled right now.

Tim Dolan, Archbishop of New York, talks about priests being and manifesting their hapiness. It's the best vocation promotion. I couldn't agree more. I have always been happy and living with happy guys, just loving what they do, makes me even happier.

So, Lift up your hearts - Sursum Corda.