“In the Order, we are all called to a consecrated life … and are a community of people who are dependent on the witness of one another,” said Fra’ Georg Lengerke, in his Reflection on “The Future of the Order” at the first three-day retreat presented by the Subpriory of Our Lady of Philermo in partnership with the Western Association of the Order of Malta. Held July 11 - 14 at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park at the headquarters of the Western Association, the retreat was attended by nearly eighty Knights, Dames, auxiliary members and their families.
The new Charter and Code of the Order of Malta calls on all members to attend an annual retreat. “This first retreat addressed how to live our faith more deeply according to the traditions and history of the Order and as laypersons engaged in the community and the world,” said Mike Psomas, who was also the retreat director. More than twenty lectures were available to attendees addressing a variety of topics from fostering a life of prayer to strengthening our faith in a troubled world, from finding beauty in God and the Church to living and thriving in community. Each day there was Mass, a Rosary, and morning and evening prayer, as well as community dining – 46 activities in all. Attendees could also take time for spiritual direction, confessions, Stations of the Cross, silent reflection and personal time.
“A retreat can be many things,” said Fr. Dorian Llywelyn, Chaplain of the retreat, “food for the soul, a chance to invest time in our own faith, thinking and talking about important matters with people who share our values, quiet time for private prayer and contemplation, as well as praying together, partaking in the holy sacraments – and companionship with new and old friends.”
Among the highlights of the retreat:
- Fra’ Georg Lengerke on “Building Community in the Order” and the “Future of the Order”
- Dwight Longenecker on “Catholic Survival in an Atheistic Age”
- Dana Gioia, California Poet Laureate, on “Why Beauty Matters”
- Noelle Mering, author of The Theology of Home series
- Matthew Spencer, O.S.J. on the “Essence and Genius of Religious Orders in the Church”
- Tom Enneking, osc on “Fostering a Life of Prayer,” and
- Mass celebrated by Bishop Jaime Soto of the Diocese of Sacramento.
Based on a survey of attendees, the retreat was well received, including a rating of “9” for the program and “8” on accommodations and dining.
“I thought it was a home run,” said Frank Friedrich, a provisional from San Jose. “The speakers were excellent, the content was great, and the logistics were impressive,” said Robert Morris, KM of San Francisco.
“Our plan is to organize at least one retreat annually, the location rotating among the major locations in the Western Association,” said Psomas. Already, more than a dozen Knights and Dames who attended have volunteered for leadership positions at future retreats.
“The retreat was a new initiative for the Order – an important first step. Over time, we hope to build on its success, encouraging even more members and their families to attend,” Psomas added.
“We are all busy people,” said Fr. Llywelyn, “but to maintain and deepen the quality of our work and our commitment to the tuitio fidei and the obsequium pauperum, it is helpful to ‘come away…and rest for a while,’ (Mark 6:30), as Jesus invited his first followers. Our three days in the beautiful location of St. Patrick’s Seminary is time we are giving to God.”
