The Redemptoristine Sisters of the Dublin Monastery in Ireland made their annual retreat from the 10th to the 17th of September 2023. The retreat was a Lucan Retreat under the direction of Fr Joseph Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss.R., General Consultor from Rome.

The retreat took up various themes from the Gospel of Luke studying and reflecting on the Gospel in the light of the challenges facing Religious Life today with questions for reflection which enabled a deeper reflection both personal and in community. With two conferences a day and with ample time for reflection along with the liturgy of the hours and the celebration of the Eucharist, these days were a time to connect with the Spirit in us and to respond with joy to the movement of the Spirit as Luke depicts in all those who encountered the power of the Spirit of Jesus in their lives.

The retreat took up various themes from the Gospel of Luke studying and reflecting on the Gospel in the light of the challenges facing Religious Life today with questions for reflection which enabled a deeper reflection both personal and in community. With two conferences a day and with ample time for reflection along with the liturgy of the hours and the celebration of the Eucharist, these days were a time to connect with the Spirit in us and to respond with joy to the movement of the Spirit as Luke depicts in all those who encountered the power of the Spirit of Jesus in their lives.

The fifteen sisters of the monastery along with a visiting sister from the monastery of Thailand seek to live today a life of contemplation so as to be living memories (Viva Memoria) of Jesus our Most Holy Redeemer. The community is a multi-cultural community with sisters from Ireland, England, Scotland, India, Germany, and the USA. Daily the sisters lifted up to the Lord in the spirit of Luke’s Gospel of persevering prayer on the many needs of the world, society, Congregation, and Order, along with the petitions sent in my people daily for prayer through the internet (online and email). The retreat concluded with a tremendous spirit of Joy so characteristic of the Gospel of Luke and a commitment to keep up living daily joyfully as Viva Memoria of the Redeemer.

Sr. Gabrielle Fox, OSsR. Prioress, Dublin Monastery