Silent Prayer Retreats


Posted December 11, 2015 by AldoMoore

The largest of all the 21 California missions, it is home to a community of Franciscan Friars and is open daily to the public in the Franciscan tradition of heritage and hospitality

 
Introduction
Grand silence is practiced in which you do not speak at all except for participating in the catholic mass. You are not even allowed an eye contact. This does sounds extreme but you will experience relief and smiles for focusing on your inner self. After some days you will realize that now you no longer pay attention to the problems of external world or any worldly pleasures and also you have turned truly inward.
Now after this you will realize how apt is the word retreat, it withdraws you completely from the problems of external world which can be from mere buzzing of a cell phone to honking of horn. You no longer pay any attention on family demands, TV commercials, you believe in the true meaning of life which is much more than the rush hour traffic, grocery store lines, dinner plans etc.
What to expect from a Silent Retreat
There are lots of variable to choose from:
• Length of retreats: the length and structure of silent retreats is very different from other retreats. They last for a day or even a week but silent retreats last for eight to even thirty days.
• Structure of the retreat: silent retreats are not at all structured, they are time set aside for silence and prayer and also in some meeting you get to meet the spiritual director each day.
• Where silent retreat does takes place: they occur in a secluded hermitage, you can even take a room for rent at the retreat centre.
• How silent is silent: the true meaning of silence differs from retreat to retreat. At some retreats the people participating will be required to be in complete silence, whereas in others you can speak to the spiritual director and in few even the participants are allowed to talk at the time of meals
Preparation of a silent retreat
Steps:
1. Commit: it is very difficult to take out time for a retreat, find someone to take care of home.
2. Switch off forms of communication: turn off your cell phones before entering the retreat centre.
3. Get rid of distractions: when you have free time aside, all you can think of is the need to accomplish something, and other distractions but you have to fight this urge.
Conclusion
You cannot call a retreat any kind of psychotherapy, but yes, you will get to learn a lot about yourself. When you let God take over, the most surprising thing can happen. The more you retreat, the more you get to connect to the present, past, and future and to the world around.

Contact :
Contact Person: Maureen Sullivan
E-mail: [email protected]
Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia
Address: 4050 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92057-6402
Tel/Fax: (760) 757-3651
Website: http://www.sanluisrey.org/retreats/
-- END ---
Share Facebook Twitter
Print Friendly and PDF DisclaimerReport Abuse
Contact Email [email protected]
Issued By Maureen Sullivan
Website Silent Prayer Retreats
Phone (760) 757-3651
Business Address 4050 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92057-6402
Country United Kingdom
Categories Business
Last Updated December 11, 2015