Priests' retreat - 2008

Icon in the chapel at Latroun

The priests of the Hebrew speaking Vicariate in Israel gathered at the beautiful monastery of the Jesusbruderschaft, a German based ecumenical group of monks, nuns and families, situated behind the Trappist monastery of Latroun. In a place associated in Christian tradition with the meeting of the Ressurected Jesus with the two disciples at Emmaus, the priests spent four days, from Tuesday evening, September 23 until Saturday morning, September 27, in prayer, reflection and fellowship.

Enjoying the beautiful grounds

This year the director of the retreat was a member of the Hebrew speaking Vicariate, Father Rafic. He chose as the theme for his daily teaching, the apostleship of Saint Paul. The priests read together the Second Epistle to the Corinthians in which Paul shares his vision of ministry within the body of Christ. Father Rafic's insightful comments and probing questions challenged the priests to reflect in depth on their lives and ministry within the Vicariate.

A time for fellowship

Each morning the priests met for morning prayer. They ate a hearty breakfast together and then took time for silent reflection and prayer. At 10.00 they gathered for a teaching by Father Rafic, followed by the daily celebration of the Eucharist. Before lunch, the priests could join the host community of the Jesusbruderschaft for their noon time prayer, a prayer dedicated to Church unity. At 16.00, the priests met again for a sharing on the readings that had been proposed by Father Rafic. This was followed by evening prayer and dinner. The evenings were spent in fellowship.

The chapel

The Vicar for the Hebrew speaking Vicariate, Father Pierbattista, shared news on Thursday evening and celebrated the final mass of the retreat on Friday. Despite his very busy schedule, he was able to be an integral part of this special time together.

The priests of the Vicariate

The priests were very grateful for the beauty of the place, the hospitality and discretion of the community that received them and the help of Father Rafic. The retreat provoked the spiritual renewal necessary for the continuation of life and ministry in the Vicariate. Deo gratias - Thanks be to God!