Waiting on God Who is waiting for us!
The season of Advent is a time to prepare the way for Jesus’ coming into our lives and world. With the liturgical readings of the season, we enter into the longing of those who first waited for the coming of the Lord. We wait on God … who is waiting for us!
A key figure from Scripture offered for our reflection in this season is Mary. How do we connect with Mary’s question to the angel in the story of the Annunciation: “How can this be?” This question will provide a focus for our reflection. What do moments of question, wonder, or the unexpected in our lives evoke in us? St. Augustine tells us that Mary conceived Christ both in her womb and in her heart. In this Advent season, how will we nurture space and make room for Christ in our hearts?
Come, and together we will ponder through presentations, prayer, images, and music, how Mary’s story offers us inspiration and hope.
Check-in begins at 4pm. A short welcome gathering will be held at 5:30pm prior to dinner at 4pm. The retreat begins on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Mass will be offered on Friday evening after dinner. Guided by Fr. Jim McBurney and Nancy Santamaria.
Fr. Jim McBurney, OSA, is a member of the Order of St. Augustine. He has served as both a pastor and parochial vicar in parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and previously in Orlando, Florida. He has also served his Augustinian Community as a Vocation Director and Director of Formation. He recently served in provincial administration as Secretary for his province. He is currently engaged in retreat ministry and spiritual direction.
Nancy Santamaria ministers as a spiritual director on the clinical team at Saint John Vianney Center, a residential behavioral health center for religious men and women, and at Daylesford Abbey. She is a Norbertine Associate and Formation Director for the Associates. She holds a Masters degree in both Holistic Spirituality and Art, and Certificates in Bereavement, Clinical Pastoral Education, and spiritual direction.