“The Lord is near to all who call upon him!” Friars can explore that notion during the Provincial retreats being offered this winter by the HNP Ongoing Formation Committee.
Fr. Melvin Jurisich, OFM, of St. Barbara Province, will serve as the retreat director for the two gatherings, scheduled for Feb. 13 to 16 in Butler, N.J., and Feb. 20 to 23 in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Fr. Melvin, director of Serra Retreat in Malibu, Calif., since 2010, served as the General Visitor for the 2014 Provincial Chapter and has more than 20 years’ experience in the administration of St. Barbara Province, including a term as provincial minister from 2003 to 2009.
According to the brochure provided by the Ongoing Formation Committee, “Retreat is a moment of grace in the life of every friar. This is a special time that allows us to listen in a new way to the voice of the Spirit of God calling us to the promise of abundant life.”
Leaders of past provincial retreats have included Fr. Robert Karris, OFM, Fr. Michael MacInnis, OFM, Fr. Jack Rathschmidt, OFM Cap., and Fr. Thomas Washburn, OFM, the executive secretary of the English-speaking Conference.
To make a reservation for one of the 2017 winter retreats, friars are asked to contact Robert Frazzetta, OFM, guardian of the Butler friary, or Joseph Hertel, OFM, guardian of the St. Petersburg friary, before Feb. 1.
— Johann Cuervo is communications assistant for Holy Name Province.
Related Links
- “Two 2017 Interprovincial Retreats Announced” — Sept. 20, 2016, HNP Today
- “Chapter Focuses on Realignment, ‘Being Who We Say We Are” — June 11, 2014, HNP Today
- Province of Saint Barbara website