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| Pictured here are students from Winona State University, Saint Mary's University and Viterbo (La Crosse, Wis.) with Sister Bernadette of the Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George and Fr. Tom Neihaus, during their retreat entitled, "Mary: Mother of the Eucharist". |
Thomas Parlin - Winona State University Newman Center- More than 30 students from the Universities of Winona State, Viterbo and St. Mary’s of Winona came together for retreat in Camp Ehawee, north of LaCrosse, the weekend of October 29-31. The theme of the retreat was “Mary: Mother of the Eucharist”.Winona Courier; Dec 2010
The retreat was facilitated by Father Tom Niehaus from Winona’s Catholic Newman Center and Patrick Andera from Viterbo. The lodge of Camp Ehawee, a girl scout camp, was transformed into holy ground when a portable tabernacle was set up and the Body of Christ was placed in the monstrance in the center of the room. Since the whole retreat was in this one big room, students ate, slept and worshiped in the holy presence of Christ.
On the first night students participated in Perpetual Adoration, committing to taking turns praying before the Blessed Sacrament throughout the night. There were a series of talks which pointed to Mary and her role in God’s salvation plan for us in being the ultimate tabernacle for Christ. There were opportunities for students to reflect on these mysteries, and a holy game of ultimate frisbee. They were also well fed.
The students on the retreat were receptive to the message, willing to pray, and fun to be with. “The Retreat was one of healing and restoring energy away from our crazy lives at our respective college campuses...We could just be who God created us to freely be.” (Adreianna Spear from Waseca, Minnesota and a student at Winona State University). All who participated in this event were examples of the great thirst for holiness that is present in our young adults today.
At first glance I thought "great news, these schools need some solid devotions." Then when I read it a second time, I got the sense the author of the article is a bit .... what's the word.... confused? I know the Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George are a solid order so I wouldn't expect shenanigans like co-ed sleeping arrangements on a retreat.
Was it Jesus who was being thrown around in this "holy game of ultimate frisbee"??
4 comments:
Fr. Tom Niehaus is solid...I've got my money on this being a good retreat...if I remember correctly he celebrates the TLM on occasion...
I've also met Fr. Niehaus. He is a good friend of the former associate pastor of my parish, St. Mary's in Sleepy Eye, MN. In fact, his mother belongs to St. Mary's. Our former associate was also solid, if that says anything.
I was on the retreat, and it was truly an amazing experience. As are most exchanges with Fr. Tom, it was an intense encounter with Our Eucharistic Lord and His adoring Mother.
Regarding the sleeping arrangements - it was set up in a huge "dining hall" style room. The men and women slept probably 100 feet apart, and we had Eucharistic Adoration throughout the night! What a joy to wake up at 3 a.m. to spend an hour with the Lord.
Thanks Anon et al for the update. :)
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