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Spiritual Direction
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
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
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.

   
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