杏MAP导航

By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp

鈥淗e appointed Twelve, to be with Him and to Send Out to Preach鈥� is the theme of the week-long retreat that the US Bishops begin on Wednesday according to a statement released by the US Bishops Conference (USCCB) on 21 December. Preacher to the Papal Household, Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, is leading it. 杏MAP导航 Francis proposed the retreat to USCCB President, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, during a visit to Rome in October.

Grateful to 杏MAP导航 Francis

In the t announcing the retreat, Cardinal DiNardo expressed gratitude to 杏MAP导航 Francis for allowing Fr Cantalamessa to preach during the retreat. A says that Cardinal DiNardo is also grateful to the 杏MAP导航 for the invitation to 鈥渟tep back and enter into this focused time of listening to God as we respond to the intense matters before us鈥�.

Purpose of the retreat

Catholic News Service quotes Fr Cantalamessa in December as saying that 杏MAP导航 Francis asked him to lead the spiritual exercises for the US Bishops. He explains that these days will allow the Bishops to reflect, "far from their daily commitments, in a climate of prayer and silence and in a personal encounter with the Lord". In this way, Fr Cantalamessa continues, the Bishops "can receive the strength and light of the Holy Spirit to find the right solutions for the problems that afflict the U.S. church today".

Request for prayer

Cardinal DiNardo also asked for prayers for the bishops as they 鈥渟eek wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit鈥� and for 鈥渟urvivors of sexual abuse鈥�. For the former, that they might receive strength from the sufferings of the latter 鈥渇or the hard task of rooting out a terrible evil from our Church and our society鈥�.

Structure of the day

In addition to receiving the insight of Fr Cantalamessa, the Bishops鈥� days during this week of retreat will contain moments for silent reflection and meditation, daily Mass, personal prayer and prayer together before the Blessed Sacrament, and confession.

Mundelein Seminary

The retreat is taking place on the grounds of the University of St Mary of the Lake in Mundelein Seminary north of Chicago. Mundelein Seminary is the largest US seminary. Currently there are about 200 seminarians studying for about 40 dioceses both in the US and abroad.