Bishop Thomas Connolly, retired Bishop of Baker, Oregon and Sister Mary Beverly were the directors for the 2007 Retreat held at Nazareth Retreat Center in Boise Idaho. The retreat lasted from July9-16.

My retreat was a blessed event. It was a taste of Heaven. I love being able to have wonderful food prepared and served to me 3 times a day, have the opportunity to nap and "contemplate" 2-3 times a day, attend daily Mass, get spiritual direction daily, and be able to enjoy the peace and solitude of the beautiful surroundings of Nazareth.

The topics chosen by Bishop Connolly for spiritual nourishment were:

1. Suffering - St. Damian and St. Pio (Padre Pio) and St. Bernadette

2. Divine Mercy

3. Our Blessed Mother

3. Remembering to keep Holy the Lord's Day as explained by Pope John Paul II

It was a hot retreat both physically and spiritually. Both Bishop Connolly and Sister Beverly did a marvelous job of filling our minds with spiritual fodder to help us grow in holiness. And the food helped me grow is physical stature!

It was a blessed time and I'm sure that everyone came away from the retreat a much holier and inspired child of God.

Peace and Love,

Mike