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2024 Sacred Hearts U.S. East Area Retreat

The week of September 9-13, 2024, the Sacred Hearts U.S. East Community participated in their annual retreat at the Our Lady of La Salette Retreat Center. Fr. David Lupo, ss.cc., organized the retreat and invited a retreat master from Montana to help guide us into a deeper understanding of the Book of Psalms and the Psalter. Fr. Victor Cancino, SJ, a scripture scholar, led us through the Psalms, particularly focusing on Psalm 84 and the meaning of the "Valley of Baca." 

We began our retreat by diving into Psalm 84, and we concluded with the same psalm. Exploring the Psalms allowed us to reflect deeply, exchanging thoughts and insights about how these ancient texts still speak to us today. We discovered key points about how the Psalms connect to us through tradition and how we continue to carry that tradition forward. Fr. Victor shared his experiences serving Native American reservations in Montana, offering a unique perspective on the Psalms.
 
We also reflected on Psalm 1, which reveals that those who follow the Lord are blessed: "Happy are those who follow and rejoice in the Lord but do not walk in the way of the wicked. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction." Then, we explored Psalm 150, a Psalm of praise to God, noting the interesting contrast between the Psalms—Psalm 1 calls us to awareness of our ways, and Psalm 150 closes the book with rejoicing and praise.

The brothers were deeply inspired by Fr. Victor's guidance, and we gained a fresh perspective on the Psalms. Through our reflections, we were able to "taste and see
the goodness of the Lord" (Psalm 34). A powerful takeaway from the retreat was the question of where our Zion is, even when we are in different places, remembering that we must never forget our roots (Psalm 137). Looking to the Lord, and realizing how lovely it is to dwell in His Presence (Psalm 139), helped us better understand the meaning of the Valley of Baca.

The retreat also provided a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, as we shared stories and strengthened our bond as brothers. On the last day, we celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Fr. Lambert Enga Hurint’s priesthood. He had the honor of closing our retreat with a special Jubilee Mass. In his homily, Fr. Lambert expressed his gratitude for the strong community life on the East Coast and how the brothers live out the charism of the congregation by supporting and caring for one another. He felt warmly welcomed and appreciated the spirit of hospitality within the community which connects with Psalm 137, reminding us to always remember our community life and charism, even in a foreign place.

Throughout our time of prayer and reflection, we remembered to pray for the General Chapter in Rome, for those who have requested our prayers, and for peace in the world.
We are incredibly grateful for the hospitality of the La Salette Retreat Center, where we were well cared for. Our heartfelt thanks also go to Fr. Victor Cancino, SJ, for taking time away from his parish work on the Native American reservation in Montana to guide us spiritually. As we return to Fairhaven and New Bedford, we are eager to share the inspiration and insights gained from this retreat with the faithful.

See photos here

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