by Dick Matulis

Sacred Heart’s Lenten tradition of an Annual Day of Recollection continued this year at the Campion Retreat Center in Weston under the direction of Father Al Agresti, S.J. For many years, former Sacred Heart pastoral associate, Sr. Virginia Bobrowski, had coordinated this event for the Parish’s seniors. In her absence, Father Timothy Kearney and Andy Boschetto picked up the slack. The date selected, Wednesday, March 29, turned out to be a picture-perfect day, with blue skies and seasonable weather. This was in contrast to the snow-covered grounds featured at the prior year’s retreat.

The Campion Center’s parking lot was nearly filled to capacity, as a group of educators was also having its day of reflection and as a funeral Mass for the repose of Rev. J. Francis Devine, S.J., a Jesuit priest for 52 years, was being celebrated in the Center’s Chapel. Coffee and tea were in place upon arrival and were supplemented by delicious fruit muffins supplied by Andy Boschetto. Our meeting was held in the Avila Room where Father Agresti expounded on prayer, the theme for the day. He stated that prayer centers around grace, which is God’s presence and action in our lives. Prayer was compared to breathing, a reality of life which invites us to cooperate with and follow a desire already given, be it in spiritual practices, in corporate works of mercy, such as visiting the sick, or involvement in charitable works, such as food pantries. Father Agresti then proceeded to compartmentalize prayer, describing the types of prayer as petition, intercession, and contemplation. In petition, we tell God what we desire, even though God is already aware of what that is. As with any request asked of a potential grantor of a favor, our prayers become more personal when we spell them out to God. Often in Holy Scripture, Jesus asks the supplicant, “What is it that you want?” This brings to mind the old caveat, “Be careful what you ask for as you may end up getting it.”

In prayers of intercession, we have in mind a favor meant for someone else and we are to keep in mind the Communion of Saints who may be sought as go-betweens for us. Father pointed out that a virtually inexhaustible number of patron saints have developed a following based on their own particular specialties. For example, St. Anthony of Padua is invoked by many who turn to him to find lost or misplaced articles, while St. Jude is known as the saint for things that seem impossible to attain. Father also provided as an example of intercessory prayer, the Scripture story of the Paralytic whose friends bypassed the crowds outside the house by lowering him from the roof to reach Jesus. Theirs was an act of prayer for someone else.

In prayers of contemplation, we can use Sacred Scripture to help make us aware of our desires. Father Agresti referred to his seminary days when he was overjoyed by the brilliance of the autumn colors in the Berkshires only to have a superior interject that the colors reminded him of the fires of Hell! Truly, Father reminded us, “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder,” and he used the example of his reaction to autumn to point out that we can experience God in the natural world, so we should not be afraid of our senses.

Conceding that distractions may arise within us, Father observed that an examination of conscience and a willingness to share can go a long way. He encouraged day dreaming and engaging in a conversation with Jesus, noting how in the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, Jesus’ followers had something to share. It was the same with the institution of Holy Eucharist when bread and wine were changed into Christ’s flesh and blood to be perpetually celebrated in Jesus’ memory. Even a hurt or a frustration can be shared with Jesus. “Bring it to me,” says Christ who has power over death, He who tasted death and moved beyond it at the Resurrection. Father Agresti reminded us that the late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, so often said, “Do not be afraid.”

Later, we were invited to meditate silently in the beautiful chapel or on the grounds. This was followed by a tasty buffet luncheon. We were given a selected handout of readings written by Father Agresti. The sacrament of reconciliation was also made available.

Andy Boschetto and I walked the grounds and paid a visit to the adjacent cemetery where many Jesuit fathers, including several who were my professors at Boston College, were interred. Their plain markers indicate their dates of birth, ordination and death, all in Latin, and also feature American flags for those who have served in the military.

The formal spiritual program resumed with Mass celebrated by Father Agresti, followed by his final blessing for the day and his wishing us Godspeed on our journey home. The timing of the Retreat was most appropriate, as we entered the home stretch of Lent fortified with the spiritual tools to carry us through Holy Week to a joyful celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

A collation was held immediately following in the community room, with coffee, soda and a selection of pastries served by St. John’s parishioners. Many people from different parishes chatted and welcomed each other, as the clergy mingled among the congregation. I saw many a familiar face there and enjoyed talking to old acquaintances and meeting new folks. The service was a beautiful portrayal of the many ties that unite the different faiths and all of us.