Because we believe that both are graced ways of experiencing God's healing touch during a retreat. In a pastoral context massage becomes a sacrament of touch, an anointing, for it combines one of the oldest and simplest of medical treatments with the ancient healing powers of 'the laying on of hands' and 'the anointing with oil'. Hands are symbols of human service and communicators of the healing potential within.
Oil is a biblical symbol of the divine gift of health, strength and respect for the whole person.
In massage these symbols coalesce to heal, comfort, soothe, relax and strengthen the whole being. To touch and be touched are primary needs of the human person. Without touch the infant will die. Without touch the adult can cease to grow. Unlike so many intrusive and destructive forces which touch our lives, as an invited and welcome act of self regard, massage is a wholistic and healing avenue by which we can become aware of our true identity as body persons.