Nearly two months have passed since last you heard from us. As part of our preparation for the Long Retreat, we took a deep dive into the Autobiography of St Ignatius, coming together in our “soul groups” to put together presentations on portions of his story for the greater class. Prior to the Retreat, we had a wonderful celebration with a festive evening meal and gathering, and the next day we made a walking pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima for Mass and breakfast with the pastor there. Then silence settled upon the house.

We thank you all for your prayers for us during the Retreat. Upon its conclusion, we took a number of days to reflect upon and share our experiences, and all found it to be a very grace-filled time. When we had “come down from the mountain”, we studied the structure and dynamics of the Exercises for a few days before we were blessed with a weekend pilgrimage to Batticaloa. On our way we visited the village of the Vedda people, the last community of Sri Lanka’s original natives, and then we stopped at the coconut plantation the Society operates not far from the city. We enjoyed time at the beach and rested overnight at the Manresa retreat house, and the next day availed ourselves of a boat ride around the lagoon before visiting our parishes and school. It was a refreshing way to experience the country and get out of the house after a month in place.

Finally, we have studied the spiritual diary of St Ignatius and are currently in the midst of learning about Non-Violent Communication, all while the skies of Sri Lanka pour rain upon us and fill the house with the sound of its drumming on our roof. It is a peaceful life here, and I believe I speak for us all when I express how grateful we are for this privileged time. Soon we will be missioned in pairs to various places of ministry for the month of December, though none of us know yet where we will be sent.

We wish you all a prayerful Advent Season, in anticipation of “Immanuel” – God with us – at Christmas. Do continue your prayers for us, as we pray for you and our brethren in our respective provinces through the Advent and Christmas Seasons!