Welcome to the Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center’s blog! This blog will extend our retreat ministry by bringing prayers and reflections into your home ‘retreat’. Many of our presenters and staff share their homilies, favorite prayers and reflections through this medium. We encourage you to comment, pass it along to friends or simply take a moment to pray with us. We hope that this will serve as a moment during your day when you can ‘retreat with us’.
Andrea Springer, frequent retreat presenter at the Center, writes today's blog. She inspires us to connect to others though a few wise teachers. Will you be more conscious of the interactions you have with others today after reading this? Share with us! Be a lamp or a lifeboat or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd. ~ Rumi This quote by 13th century poet Rumi is a reminder for me to pay attention…
Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there! We celebrate you today! Fathers in Our Lives We give our thanks, Creator God, for the fathers in our lives. Fatherhood does not come with a manual, and reality teaches us that some fathers excel while others fail. We ask for Your blessings for them all and forgiveness where it is needed. This Father's Day we remember the many sacrifices fathers make for their children and families, and the ways--both…
On Monday we will be celebrating Juneteenth. Within the African American community, Juneteenth is known as a second “Independence Day”. It is a holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas, and more generally the emancipation of African American slaves throughout the Confederate South. This was more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. With continued acts of racism in our country, it's especially important to recognize this day of…
Today's reflection comes from the pages of Joyce Rupp's "Anchors for the Soul". Whether you're on a retreat at the Center or just need to few quiet moments to reflect at home, this is a great starting point to step away from the daily stress in our lives and listen to God's voice within. Now, let's take a few deep breaths and then read the following... Stillness stillness just stillness like my world seldom knows. inside I have an…
As we begin to take vacations this summer, let us remember to be still in our everyday too. We found this beautiful, calming meditation video and found that it pairs well with scripture for a prayerful pause in our day. Let us know your thoughts too! “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.” ~Psalm 37:7 “Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest…
The air quality index in Maryland has been on red alert this week, due to the fires in Canada. This has been a daily reminder of the many natural disasters that affect our planet. We pray for God's protection and give thanks for all of the resources that he's given. Will you join us as we pray for perpetual peace today... Prayer In Time of Wildfires God of all creation, all the elements belong to you. The earth, air, water…
Do you find yourself seeking quiet time for spiritual reflection? Have you ever considered taking a silent retreat? As many begin to make their summer retreat plans, today's post may help you decide if a silent retreat is a good fit for you. Or, maybe you just need time set aside in the quiet of your home or a favorite spot in nature? Let's read more about how a silent retreat can help as you seek to hear the voice…
With the unofficial start of summer well underway, we want to pass along this blessing and wish you a season of enjoyment for the longer days of activity and sunshine. A Summer Blessing May you walk with God This summer In whatever you do Wherever you go Walking with God means... Walking with honesty And with courage, Walking with love And respect And concern for the feelings of others May you talk to God This summer And every day and…
Today is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, an annual event that takes place on the first Friday in June. It is also the beginning of Wear Orange Weekend. The movement to wear orange honors the lives of people in the United States affected by gun violence and unifies those who are pursuing the end to the national gun violence crisis. As a ministry of the Sisters of Bon Secours, we stand with others to promote an end to gun violence.…
Graduation season is upon us! Friends and family are traveling to celebrate college graduations and others are gathering at local high schools to mark the commencement of loved ones. We celebrate these big milestones today as we pray for guidance on their journey ahead. Good and gracious God, This is the day, Lord! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Today is the culmination of years of work, years filled with challenges and triumphs, losses and laughter, friendships and…
