Sacred Stones, Sacred Stories

We were excited to be a part of this year’s Bilingual Discernment Retreat hosted by the Diocese of Tucson on Saturday, March 16.

The day-long event offered prayer, quiet reflection and exploration to discern more about God’s plan in the lives of the 16 women who attended.

Comments shared by attendees included, “What I liked most about this retreat was that it helped me open my eyes more and follow my dreams with the help of God;” “The call to open our hearts to the calling of the Lord means a lot;” and “This experience has been a day to remember. It has helped me see another life that I never really learned about.”

Benedictine Sister Lupita Barajas, OSB, vocation director at our Tucson monastery who helped plan the event, shared her gratitude to fellow religious Sisters who helped coordinate the event: Sister Gladys Echenique, OP, Sister Lucy Nigh, SSND, Sister Eileen Mahoney, CSA, Sister Judy Bourg, SSND, Sister Graciela Garcia, CFMM, Sister Christine Garcia, SSND, Sister Rosemary Sampon, MMS and Sister Ellen Pachmayer, OSF.

Brother Loughlan Sofield, S.T. (standing) presents at the Diocese of Tucson’s annual Convocation for Religious hosted by the Benedictine Sisters.

The Benedictine Sisters hosted the annual Convocation for Religious for both men and women of the Diocese of Tucson on Oct. 22.

Brother Loughlan Sofield, S.T., author and consultant on collaborative ministry, personal development and leadership, presented “Models for the Gift of Discernment in Religious Communities.”

“He focused on recognizing our giftedness by our communities by giving us a model for gift discernment,” Sister Kathleen Clare Lahl, OSB said. “He also addressed the stages in the development of a community and walked us through the realities of anger management, forgiveness and reconciliation.”

Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas shared news from his office, addressed questions and concerns then finished by presiding at Mass in the Benedictine Monastery chapel.

“So many of the men and women religious seem to be approaching the point of burnout with the pressures and conflicts experienced with their various ministries,” Sister Kathleen Clare said. “The day was so uplifting and provided a lot of good, helpful input.”

The day included a nice lunch, presentations and Mass with Bishop Kicanas as celebrant.