Loretto Sisters Host Discernment Retreat in Lahore
Posted on September 1, 2019, by Nasreen Daniel SL
Photo courtesy of Nasreen Daniel
Six young women from outside Lahore and ten teachers from our school joined the Loretto sisters for a three-day discernment retreat. The first day began with these questions:
Why am I here on this planet earth?
What is the meaning of my life?
Where is God calling me?
What gives me energy and joy? What drains my energy?
Can I name the comforts and discomforts which come to my mind when I think about my future?
One of the participants remarked that this was the first time she looked beyond herself and at what was her calling, why God sent her to this earth.
The June 19-21 retreat included a series of talks on the calls of Abraham, Jesus, your call and mine. There were discussions on desires, discernment and coming to a decision. Participants also were led through guided meditation on the Gospels.
Sisters from different stations in the United States shared their vocation stories, talking about how they arrived at a decision to enter religious life and what attracted them to the Sisters of Loretto. There was also an opportunity to ask questions to the U.S. or Pakistani Sisters of Loretto.
One of the participants remarked that this was the first time she looked beyond herself and at what was her calling, why God sent her to this earth. She said, “I never questioned myself, but this occasion is the first time that I am thinking and asking these questions to myself.” Another said that this retreat helped her to realize that learning about vocation is not necessarily becoming a religious but it is beyond that, to know your calling in this life, how and where to serve.
Photo courtesy of Nasreen Daniel
As for us, Maria, Samina and myself, it became a time to revisit our Loretto vision, values and history.
This retreat would not have been possible if our friends in the United States, Barbara Nicholas and Claudia Calzetta, had not enlightened us with their wisdom. Bookmarks made by Sharon Kassing were a big hit.
Cooking the evening meal was lots of fun and sharing little stories at that time became a reason for a lot of laughter. The last day we had a pizza party, singing and dancing.
Thanks to all those who helped us in many ways to make it a successful event.
