Interested in setting aside time to reflect, to pray and, perhaps, to learn?
Throughout the coming months, a variety of retreats and programs are being offered at Franciscan venues in scenic settings around the United States.
In Florida, the Franciscan Center in Tampa is offering three retreats over the coming weeks:
- Holy Week retreat, April 16 to 20, led by Anthony Carrozzo, OFM, of St. Anthony Friary, St. Petersburg, Fla., a former member of the Center for Franciscan Spirituality and Spiritual Direction in New York City
- May 10 retreat with Bishop Thomas Gumbleton titled “Rebuilding the Church — St. Francis and Pope Francis”
- Silent directed retreat, June 23 to 29, led by Anthony, along with Sr. Mary Arghittu, OSF, Sr. Anne Dougherty, OSF, and Sr. Jeanne Williams, OSF
Those interested in registering for an event should call 813-229-2695 or register through email at info@franciscancentertampa.org.
In Pennsylvania, the St. Francis Retreat House in Easton offers retreats with themes ranging from saints to art. Some of them are:
- “Into Great Silence,” July 6 to 11, a weeklong silent retreat led by Br. Mark Ligett, OFM, of St. John the Baptist Province, which maintains the retreat center
- “Caring for God’s People in the Spirit of St. Francis: Pope Francis and Dorothy Day,” Aug. 1 to 3, led by Joseph Rozansky, OFM, director of the Order’s Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation
- “Praying with Icons,” Aug. 22 to 24, with master iconographer Robert Lentz, OFM
In North Carolina, St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville is offering the following programs this summer:
- A silent retreat from June 29 to July 4, open to religious, priests and laity
- An icon workshop from July 21 to 25 led by Fr. Damian Higgins, a Ukrainian Catholic priest
- Enneagram workshop from Aug. 2 to 3
Information about registration can be found on the website of St. Francis Springs, which was opened in 2005 by Louis Canino, OFM.
In Maryland, the Retreat and Conference Center at Bon Secours has many exciting events to offer throughout April, including ways to celebrate Lent and Easter.
- A Lenten Taízé prayer service, April 5, led by Taízé Baltimore
- “Walking the Labyrinth Together,” a program that teaches about the history and mysteries of the labyrinth and offers a chance to walk one with a community, on April 12, led by Marcia McMullin
- Easter Triduum celebration, April 17 to 20, led by Fr. Phil Cover and Sr. Mary Therese White
— Compiled by Jocelyn Thomas