How does holiness happen? This time honored question has captivated theologians, mystics, saints and bishops for centuries. St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises provides us with powerful insights and experiences to help grow in intimacy with God.  This retreat day is designed to lead the retreatant in a personal journey of discovery leading to conversion and ultimately union with God. The day will be a combination of personal guided prayer, silence and solitude, spiritual conversations and theological instruction.

Damian Zynda ThD. is the Director of Mission and Ministry at McQuaid Jesuit in Rochester, NY and the Director of Ignatian Identity at Canisius High School, Buffalo, NY.  She completed a doctorate in Systematic Theology and Christian Spirituality from the University of St. Michael’s College and the University of Toronto.  Damian is on faculty at Regis College, the Jesuit School of Theology at the Toronto School of Theology, the Christian Spirituality Program and the Master of Ministry at Creighton University and St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.  She is a spiritual director involved in the formation of spiritual directors and the supervision of spiritual directors in the Ignatian tradition.  Damian has directed retreats in the United States, Canada, Italy, Spain and Ireland and has presented numerous workshops and lectures on spiritual direction, the supervision of spiritual directors and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius locally and at National Conferences.  Interested in the intersection of spirituality and psychology, Damian’s first book, Archbishop Oscar Romero – A Disciple Who Revealed the Glory of God, traces the spiritual development and psychological growth of St. Oscar Romero, articulating a Spirituality of Conversion that is both human and divine.

Schedule

10:00  Arrival, refreshments, acclimation to the sacred space

10:30  Rosary

11:00 Session One Taking the Long Look Back [Spiritual Exercises #233]

Guided prayer, personal prayer, silence and solitude

12:00  Spiritual Conversations

12:30 Lunch

1:30    Session Two Conversion: The Path to Transformation

Theological instruction on the Theology of Conversion

Personal Prayer with Guiding Questions

2:30    Spiritual Conversations

3:00  Quiet Prayer time

3:45  Closing questions and prayer

4:00 Departure

Branches is an outdoor facility.  Our pavilion provides shelter from light rain, but if the forecast states a storm with strong winds, we will relocate to Mary Mother of Mercy Parish, 7231 Main St., Ovid, NY 14521.  You will receive a phone call if we need to relocate.  Thank you.