"On Earth as in Heaven: Participating in a World Good Enough for God"
It didn't take more than a couple of sessions, crafted like none other in my past, by Sister Gabriele Uhlein, Wheaton Franciscan, to find out we were definitely going SOMEPLACE during this retreat!

Beginning with Francis, in the context of his time, we swept through the details, all with exquisite renditions in visuals of his life. All of this leading to his  REFOUNDING OF THE ORDER OF THE PENITENTS of his time, putting on a new spin to an older concept. A new twist for us to ponder!

Then Clare of Assisi, the survivor. What a fresh look at her, as seen through the eyes and paint brush of a German Poor Clare in 1492! The mirror with its creative reflections. And a new look at Ortulanna, the gardener, and the Grandmother figure, encouraging Clare in her daily "doings". And Ortulana, the ever active elder, able and ready to go on pilgrimage, showing the way....

On to Bonaventure, Chardin, Duns Scotus (More to admire about them). Deep into their theology. Enough to ponder on for another week's retreat!

The Trinity, the inner life flowing out to all of Creation...all is holy, all is relational! We are part of the whole, with non-optional participation! All activities are moving toward the COMMON GOOD! The private life of the Trinity creates beauty. In such manner, the inner quality of our Community life creates life and the common good! We move from the "I" to the "we". And the Universe teaches us: The greater the diversity, the healthier the Eco system!

From Chardin to today's Thomas Berry (his exegesis of the Canticle) and wonderful insights, merging updated science with today's Christology (his Great Story). Then a grand finale by Sister Gabe herself: The Universe Story with all the splendid visual renditions!

We end up, finally, with listening experience, of the Cosmos and our Ecozoic Era! We hear all the voices, we listen, we speak to Creation, our creation which is the outpouring, public manifestation of the inner life of the Trinity, once again!

All change is dependent on the role of IMAGINATION. Collective imagination can determine our future, as it has in our history. Think back as to how collective imagination in Church history and Community history has brought about new directions, new accomplishments, most often experienced after HUGH SHOCKS! Just relive Church History.

Sister Gabriele encouraged us to breathe in whatever is positive, what brings peace and joy. Breathe out blessings! Ending our short contemplative moments together, Sister Gabe would often conclude with, "All is well,...all is well,...and all shall be well." Written by Sister Toni Rausch, osf.