Monday, August 01, 2005
SISTERS OF ??????
A reader sent in this link found in Spirit Daily this morning. It seems to be the programs being offered at Villa Maria Retreat Center.
Villa Maria is the motherhouse of the nuns who taught my parochial school when I grew up. Back in the 50s they were holy women wholly dedicated to serving God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Looking through their retreat schedule I can't find anything Catholic there. Not a "Jesus", not a "Trinity", not even a "Holy Spirit" despite the fact that "Spirit" seems to be in with women religious. There is a labyrinth walk; there is a meditation circle of light; there are healing modalities; there is a land retreat; and energy choreography; healing through creative movements; tai chi and qigong; Taize prayer; Enneagram; inspired prayer; peacemaking; harvest day; breath, balance, and beauty; mindfulness meditation; nature mandala workshop; Reiki; eco-justice; circles for sustainability; and stranger in the woods. There are a few directed retreats which could be about the Trinitarian God, but we really don't know. There is a mention of God in the title of one of the retreats, but who knows, again, what God they are worshipping. Here is another example of another gospel being promoted this time from within the Roman Catholic Church.
How many souls are being led away from Christ thanks to the efforts of these nuns. Yet they retain the right to call themselves "Humility of Mary". One is justified in asking, "Mary who?"
Sister Jean Patrice, one of the women in my life I have most admired, must be turning over in her grave!
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!
