The holidays are a time for rest and inner renewal.
"To give light, one must be nourished by light" — Saint Marie Eugénie of Jesus
Prayer is the backbone of human life in general, and of religious life in particular. The more we remain connected to God, the straighter our spiritual backbone stands, and the closer we draw to Him, our source. This source radiates through our inner being and transforms our daily life, enabling us to welcome His grace, allow it to transform us, and let it flow through us to reach other souls that God draws to Himself through our humble and limited means.
During the holidays, the sisters make time to renew their covenant with God through spiritual retreats. At the Assumption, we usually hold our annual eight-day retreat following the Ignatian method. These days are an experience of reviewing our life, reconciling with God, restoring our inner selves, and renewing our commitment to follow Christ. The annual retreat experience can be compared to a fully charged battery. Throughout the year, we keep it charged by a monthly retreat day spent in recollection, silence, and solitude. This is our way of expressing and acknowledging our total dependence on God, without whom we are nothing and can do nothing, as Jesus Himself reminds us in John 15:5.
May the Lord increase in our hearts the joy of seeking Him and remaining in Him, so that our whole life may bear the fruits of His grace and be a testimony to the mercy and goodness of God.
Sister Lucie Emmanuel MOMO, RA Province of Central Africa