True Self: A Lifelong Process

According to the tradition of spiritual retreats in the Catholic world, the Sisters of Providence reserve each year “at least five consecutive days for retreat” (C45). According to the Gospel, Jesus, the “unequalled master of prayer” (C38), set aside moments of solitude and stillness to pray and meditate. Today different Catholic organizations ease the way for meditation by offering retreats to those in search of close communion with our Provident God.

I am grateful to participate in this life-giving experience of “Around the Well Retreat” for younger religious. This retreat inspired and allowed me to see the beauty of religious vocation, despite the challenges.

Hearing the joy and the frustration of living this vocation became a realization of my capacity to love, an appreciation of community living, and an invitation to ponder aspects of my life that need growth and that I could not find my true self without encountering God in my life.

This retreat was a timely reminder to persevere an intentional living of the religious vows and to continue to live a life where I allow God to love and heal me. A week full of reminders, affirmations, and the realization that everyone is a work in progress and coming into the true self is a lifelong process.

Azenette Trongco, Candidate

Sisters of Providence

Holy Angels Province

Edmonton, Alberta