Women"s Retreat X 2
By Caye Caswyk

Without counting, and thinking I remember Father Andrew Harrison mention the number 19 at Divine Liturgy one Sunday. Interestingly, 19 women convened at the Loretto Center in Wheaton, Illinois, for what this writer considered a wonderful annual retreat. The Loretto Center is on 14 acres of beautiful quiet, serene land founded by and supported in part by the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Our esteemed speaker, Ms. Kay Valone, very aptly facilitated the topic of our discussions, The Fruits of The Holy Spirit. Ms. Valone was a public school teacher for 36 years. She has an amazing knowledge of the Bible and a passion for interpreting it, which many of us found inspiring.

After general discussions we women gathered in small groups to further discern how The Fruits of The Holy Spirit affected each of us in our lives. We then reported our findings back to the entire group for further consideration.

Fr. Andrew was present to hear confessions and to conduct Evening Vespers, which were followed by a delicious fish dinner. It was noted that maybe the men should have a retreat. As Fr. Andrew indicated, the women are up by 2; that should encourage healthy interest!

The Fruits of The Holy Spirit are: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Long-suffering, Mildness, Fidelity, Modesty, Continence and Chastity. Try to balance your spiritual diet with generous servings of all The Fruits daily.