MLR Experience

Eric Stewart, a recent participant in our

Monastic Life Retreat, shares his experience.

"I learned that GOD is patient, yet persistent."

Have you read the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe? Would you like to learn more about the holy mother and her relationship to her son, our savior, "My Lord, My GOD"? Find a new mystery, a new question, an answer? Have you felt a yearning, a need, and a sense of calling to become closer to God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit? What is living in a Trappist Monastery really like? What is silent prayer, contemplation, and discipline with brothers of faith? Where is GOD? Inside... outside… up there in Heaven? What is The Marion way?

     I wondered about all of this...and a few lay people and monks said, "hey come and try out a Month Long Retreat." A month... , wow, that takes up so much time and I have to do all of this, that, and the other in the world... I thought... I learned that GOD is patient, yet persistent.

     To truly understand a selfless dedication of a fulfilling life in a brotherhood of Christ’s followers, and the stewardship of leaders to the Lord, "The word made Flesh", to refresh your beliefs, to strengthen and fortify your Catholic Faith; to begin a new chapter in your belief, to take a step closer to understanding "The Word Made flesh", to explore the silence within your Mind, Heart, Body, and Soul in meditative prayer, experience Lectio Divina in a new way.

     Our journey towards The Maker constantly revealing, moment after moment, new and enlightening truths about GOD and GOD's relationship to one's self and community. One in the Body of Christ!

     A question unanswered by time; a question not answered by philosophy, but expressed through inspiration by the Holy Spirit.

     Work side by side with the brothers for 4 hours a day within the daily schedule, except Sunday, and examine and compare your own work ethic and dedication as I did to these humble, aware, selfless stewards of The Word.

     Sing and pray, side by side, as one body in Christ with brothers that have opened their hearts wide to God and have pledged a sacred vow of selfless dedication to praising GOD, moment by moment, day after day.

     Discover the Miracle of the Eucharist and all of its power. Learn what it is to stand in the midst of the Holy Spirit, in times of Liturgical Office, in meditative prayer.

Have you felt the Holy Spirit? Experience what skeptics would say is impossible, or a psychological delusion. Have you opened your creative awareness to the full powerful inspiration of The Holy Spirit? Are you truly aware of what prayer can do for, not just your own being, but for all of the persons souls of the world that you may come to pray for?

     I found answers that unfolded into simple understanding, as well as greater and deeper mysteries of how to experience GOD in prayer, awareness, peace, and silence. I found deeper understanding in the freedom of redemption through our Advocate, Christ, our Lord, Brother, and Savior. I surrendered to the mystery of GOD's endless power to shape, transform, and inspire me to be my authentic self. The mission in which GOD has in-trusted to me.

     Peel away the layers of the onion to reach the core essence of GOD, Grace, and Redemption. Honest sincerity in prayer, work, rest, and devotion within the Catholic (Christian) Faith. I say this because I am a convert to Catholicism.

     Penance, redemption, perseverance, humbleness, action, renew, replenish, faith sharing, belief, acceptance, clarity, fellowship, care, healing, honesty, sincerity, focus, and brotherhood.

     This is just a fraction of my experience while being a Monastic Life Retreatant at Our Lady of Guadalupe Abbey.

LISTEN TO THE BIRDSONG AT DAY BREAK
THE RHYTHM OF THE RAIN ON THE MEADOW
THE RISING AND THE SETTING OF THE SUN GLORIOUS VIEW.
WALK A WOODED TRAIL
SMELL THE LEATHER BOUND BOOKS OF AGES
ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN FAITH
FEEL THE BREATH IN YOUR LUNGS
LISTEN TO YOUR HEART BEAT
SING JOYFUL AND SORROWFUL SONGS TO THE LORD

"He shall conceal you in his pinions and you shall take refuge under his wing"

Peace be with you!

+ Eric Stewart