WINTER PARK, Fla. — All friars are invited to a “historic” gathering this fall about aging.
The retreat, titled “Seasonal Friar Retreat: A Practical and Spiritual Approach Toward a Hopeful Future,” will be offered from Nov. 3 to 7 at San Pedro Retreat Center, 15 miles from the Orlando airport.
This gathering is the “first interfamilial retreat for all First Order Franciscans of the United States,” according to Br. Bruce Michalek, OFM, chair of the interprovincial retreat committee. “This will be the first such gathering since the early 1920s.”
Friars from the three Franciscan branches — Friars Minor, Friars Minor Conventual and Friars Minor Capuchin — are invited to attend.
The retreat, sponsored by four OFM provinces, will focus on the challenges and graces of aging, said Br. Bruce of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province. The presenters — a Franciscan friar who is a registered nurse and a Jesuit who specializes in geriatrics — will discuss both the spiritual and practical sides of aging.
The registration deadline is Oct. 24. The retreat’s cost includes meals and a room. Questions can be directed to Br. Bruce via email.
Five years ago, an interprovincial retreat on the same topic was offered for friars age 60 and older.
Earlier this year, friars from many OFM provinces — including Holy Name — participated in the interprovincial retreat in the Southwest.
— Compiled by Jocelyn Thomas