Retreat days for the priests of the Vicariate

From Tuesday, October 1 until Friday, October 4, 2013, all 12 of the priests from the Saint James Vicariate for Hebrew speaking Catholics in Israel went off together for retreat days on Mount Tabor. They stayed in the Franciscan guest house, managed by Mundo X, where they were heartily welcomed

The theme of the retreat was the Transfiguration. Six of the priests prepared brief input: Fathers Giuseppe and David on the texts recounting the Transfiguration, Father Rafic on the Old Testament background to the Transfiguration, Father Gregor on the transfiguration of a young Jewish boy in Poland during the Shoah, an autobiographical perspective, Father Michel on the archaeology of the mountain and Father Piotr on the sacred geography of the region. There were talks each morning and each afternoon.

Each day, the priests prayed together: morning prayer, mass and evening prayer. There was time for personal prayer, rest, sharing in small groups and each priest met with Father David for a time of personal sharing and consultation.

The retreat days constitute an important time to renew energy and to strengthen the links among the priests. We can thank God that we have priests who seek to deepen their faith and work in the vineyard of the Lord.