Spiritual Direction

Spiritual Direction, either in a group or as an individual, is a remarkable experience for anyone who wants to better understand God’s call and work in their lives and deepen their relationship with God.

Guiding you on your journey

“Spiritual directors are trained in holy listening and spiritual companioning, which is a way the director and participant engage in mutual listening for how God is moving in that person’s life – how God is loving that person through all the situations of her life no matter how joyful or difficult,” says Sister Joan Fronc, the Director of Mission and Spirituality at the center.

Women who may be called to religious life are strongly encouraged to meet with a spiritual director on a regular basis to help discern their call, either at the spiritual center or somewhere closer to home. Generally, those in spiritual direction meet with their director once a month for confidential meetings. “The focus is to help the discerning woman listen more clearly to God and discern God’s voice in and among all the other voices that claim her attention,” says Sr. Joan.

Sacred spaces draw you into the heart of God

Outdoors at the Spiritual Center, visitors find several sacred spaces to explore. Retreats and events include time for personal prayer and reflection, and many guests spend that time exploring the beautiful, peaceful surroundings. This should have a picture gallery within it.

Labyrinth

labyrinth2a The Bon Secours Labyrinth was built in 1999 to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Bon Secours of Paris. People who walk the labyrinth follow its winding path to the center in silence, perhaps stopping to reflect on a bench, pausing to contemplate a personal struggle or to listen to God’s call.

The three stages of the walk include:

Purgation – a letting go of personal cares and stress
Illumination – the center of the labyrinth where clarity and insight are often gained
Union – the return out of the labyrinth with a renewed and refreshed spirit

One retreatant says, “Every time I walk the labyrinth, it is a different experience – new gifts are given. The center draws me into the heart of God.”

Centennial Peace Garden

peacegarden3a Visitors often enjoy the Centennial Peace Garden, marked by a Peace Pole which declares “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in several languages. The garden includes beautifully landscaped grounds and “natural rooms” formed by large boulders.

Additionally, the 313-acre property includes wooded hiking trails, an ecologically balanced pond inhabited by waterfowl, and other picturesque spaces. Center Director of Mission and Spirituality Sr. Joan Fronc says that in the spring and summer especially, the pond provides its own “concert” with the sound of birds, waterfalls and nature. This multi-sensory experience often opens up a doorway to prayer.