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What past retreatants say about their experience with
The
Bonaventure "Journey" Retreat gives us a new foundation for reclaiming the
riches of our Franciscan spiritual theology in service of evangelical life. Our
sisters find the immersion in an experiential exploration of the way of
Franciscan prayer an extraordinary personal and communal experience.
Bypassing the purely intellectual and philosophical approaches, Andre and Josef
lead us into the "Journey" in a truly Franciscan spirit of simplicity and
delightful discovery. Pointing out all along the way the signs of God's love and
their meaning they help us to see, taste and feel God, creation and ourselves in
a new light. These two spiritual teachers seem to have touched the heart of
Bonaventure's message, the wisdom which Francis' life revealed to the Seraphic
Doctor. It was
exciting to learn that the universal journey to God was available to me with the
Franciscan flavor of the Itinerarium. Andre and Josef's presentations and
liturgies moved me along with Francis' footsteps. Clare's contemplative spirit
helped to enlighten the way that I feel God, through Bonaventure's great work,
desires for me--the journey toward peace.
Bonaventure's all good, supreme good God moves from the speculative realm of
theology to that of a felt, known experience as Andre and Josef steep their
wayfarers in sensual and reflective experiences that direct them on their own
"itinerarium" into their God. It is a wonderful opportunity for any serious
seeker.
This is the most holistic, inclusive, all-encompassing
retreat I have ever experienced, incorporating body, mind, spirit, movement, the
arts, visuals, audio, symbols and rituals. The progression from day to day was
so meaningful. As a
married couple we found this retreat to be spiritually enlightening and
wonderfully presented.
The finest retreat I’ve ever
made.
A spiritual experience of a lifetime. I have studied
Bonaventure’s Journey of the Human Person into God, but this time I
experienced it.
A profound journey into God;
a journey with God; a journey into and with the whole community of life.
The retreat is far more than a mechanical
chapter-by-chapter explanation and interpretation of Bonaventure’s text; it is a
living experience that immerses the retreatant in the Seraphic Doctor. You
might think of it as theology for the non-theologian.
The
Journey into God retreat was a true journey within my soul as well as a journey with others to God.
St. Bonaventure’s explanation of how he understands mankind as an image of God
opened up a new world of healing and peace for me.
This retreat has had a tremendous effect on my life. |
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