March 7 Lenten Retreat--Space for Sacred Time

MILWAUKEE - Jan. 20, 2020 - PRLog -- Throughout the season of Lent, people of faith direct their energies to purifying their souls to become more Christlike. Pope Francis describes this practice of openness in simple and beautifully inspiring words: "I am a sinner upon whom the merciful face of God has looked."

This concept of gazing at Christ with spiritual eyes and one's willingness to be seen and loved by Christ, will be the focus of a March 7 Lenten sponsored by the School Sisters of St. Francis on their south side Milwaukee campus.

Sister Mary Carroll, OSF, DMin, will lead the full-day sessions from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at St. Joseph Center, 1501 S. Layton Blvd. (Greenfield Ave. at 27^th St.) in Milwaukee. The public is warmly welcomed to join the sisters and lay associates for this time of reflection and renewal.

According to Sister Mary, "At the retreat, we will view Jesus, the 'wounded warrior,' while examining the art of Andrei Rublev, Rembrandt van Rijn, Marc Chagall, and Salvador Dalí. Pope Francis points out that the face of Christ appears in the poor and the suffering.

"Yet, seeing with our spiritual eyes brings healing," she continued. "We will draw on examples of this healing from Catholic authors Dawn Eden Goldstein and Caryll Houselander."

The blessing, "May His countenance shine upon you," becomes more vibrant and tangible when our spiritual sight is purified, Sister Mary said. She noted that it is Pope Francis who reminds us that "looking at Jesus prepares us to look at everything with new eyes."

Sister Mary is professor emerita at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, where she was professor of systematic studies and associate director of pastoral formation. She is currently working on a book titled "Spiritual Jewels in a Darkened Church" about the four female Doctors of the Church.

Contemplating on spiritual healing and bringing comfort to those in need are the intentions of this sacred time. The retreat fee of $75 includes breakfast and lunch. Space is limited, so participants are encouraged to register well in advance of the February 21 deadline. Send cash or checks written to:  School Sisters of St. Francis Outreach Events; c/o Donna O'Loughlin; 1501 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215. Contact:  doloughlin@sssf.org or 414-385-5272. Ample free parking is available in the St. Joseph Center lot at 29^th St. and Orchard St.  https://www.sssf.org