Well, I had six days at Lake Lorelei and five and a half of them were cloudy, cold, and misty. So, no, the weather did NOT cooperate. :-)

That doesn't mean, however, that I did not have a good retreat. Overall, the week was very beneficial. It was good to get away from the office, the phone, and email and just spend some time praying and reflecting. Saint Francis says that the "life and Rule of the Friars Minor is to live the Gospel." So I read the gospels--all four. I haven't done that in a long time--not read them straight through, I mean. Obviously I have read passages daily.:-) But it was good to read the "Good News" in each of its settings and to get an overall appreciation of what each evangelist was saying.

I also read the Book of Isaiah straight through. I have always been fascinated by Isaiah and as I read it I was reminded of the experience I often have when I go to the opera. I know many of the famous arias so as the opera progresses I hear the music and then, all of a sudden, there is one of the melodies that I'm familiar with. Only in the context of the whole opera I have a better understanding of what it is about and how it fits. Well, the same thing happened when I read Isaiah. I am familiar with a lot of passages, but this time I got to see them in context. It made a big difference.

Now it's back to work. One of the prospectives is coming in tomorrow for his psychological evaluation and will be staying with us for a couple of days. Then when he leaves I am off to Ottawa to do a Behavioral Assessment with another prospective. Then next weekend its off to Steubenville to meet with two prospectives. So there is much to do, but I'm' enjoying it. It's a great ministry.

Next week I'll be spending six days at our friary at Lake Lorelei making my annual retreat. I've done this before and found that it is an ideal spot this time of year to think and pray and relax. The weather is cool but not cold and the lake is quiet since the summer boat traffic will have died down. So I can enjoy a comfortable house with much peace and quiet. Just what I'm looking for!

Work in the Vocation Office has been fairly hectic. The Lord is blessing us with a good number of interested young men. But a few days away to recoup are much appreciated.

Please remember me in your prayers next week especially.

A Blessed and Happy Feast Day

to all on this Solemnity of

Saint Francis of Assisi. 

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