Lenten Retreat: The Process of Forgiveness

March 7-9, Friday 6 pm until Sunday 1 pm

Forgiving is one of the most difficult and complex gestures and yet, like love, it is one of the things which defines the essence of our humanity. Forgiveness at its core is a divine gift of love, a movement of love so profound that it reveals the truth of our nature. And yet, the very fact that we do not forgive, or find forgiveness so difficult, reveals another essential quality of our humanness – free will. Forgiveness cannot just be a one-time act or decision, but a process that unfolds and reveals itself the more we consent and open to God’s presence and action in our lives.

Might it be possible to see our difficult relationships as some of our greatest gifts? Forgiveness is not so much about feelings as it is about freedom - an essential quality of the spiritual life. Forgiveness is not so much about the other as it is about ourselves.

What might be the effects experienced by faithfully practicing the Forgiveness Prayer?

Release from the burden of anger and bitterness that upsets our peace.
Removal of any hidden or overt effects of resentment in relation to others.
Release of the power of the Spirit beyond our comprehension which frees our bodies, releases frustration and disappointment.

The retreat will present a process and a dance between the wisdom of discernment and the power of forgiveness.

Presenter:
The Rev. Carl Arico, Presenter: Father Carl Arico is the Vice-President of Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. Contemplative Outreach is the international ecumenical organization founded by Thomas Keating twenty years ago to share the practice of Centering Prayer. In the early 1980’s Fr. Arico attended the initial retreat that led to the formation of this international organization. In 1987 he began work as the vice-president of Contemplative Outreach, Ltd., Contemplative Outreach Ministry. He currently serves on the Faculty of Contemplative Outreach and is an international retreat director and workshop presenter. For the past twenty years Fr. Arico has talked to people throughout the world about the power and practice of Centering Prayer. He is known for the humor and clarity of his presentations. He also is the author of Taste of Silence - Centering Prayer and the Contemplative Journey.

Residential Fee: $250       Deposit: $50

Email us at StMarysSewanee@bellsouth.net for a brochure