The Catholic bulletin., 1914-06-13
Continued from Page IL
LAYMEN's RETREAT.

they either do not appreciate the ad-
vantage of spiritual retreat or be-
cause they think the exercises require
too much effort they hesitate and won
der If they should not spend the few
days Of vacation in hunting or fishing
or camping where they can enjoy the
rest they need.
To such we commend the words that
follow:
''It is important for our welfare to
pause periodically and review the past,
to take stock of our position, to dis
cover whether we have progressed or
gone back, to see in what we have
failed, and in what we have succeeded.
But, while the necessity for this re-
view is recognized in temporal things
all sensible business men take stock
at least once a year-it is apt to be
overlooked in things spiritual.
But, it is necessary to remember
that the knowledge of our exact posi-
tion will profit us little, if we do not
turn it to account by using it to re-
arrange and alter our plans for the
LuIul III O10C1 W dNOiu tl1C O1O 11lIO-
takes, and to prepare to avail of any
opportunities of spiritual advancement
that may come our way.
Again, if this review of the past is
to be of lasting value, it must be done
thoroughly and we'll; it need not take
long. Parochial missions and retreats
are availed of by many for this all
important work, but, without depreciat-
ing the usefulness of these, it is to be
feared that the distraction at such
times is great, and often the benefit is
but transitory.
Some two or three years ago the
Jesuit Fathers of Milltown Park, Dub
lin, instituted weekend retreats for
young men and for the purposes of the
spiritual stocktaking to which I refer,
nothing better could possibly be de-
sired. Situated convenient to the city,
yet far enough away from it's noise and
turmoil, Milltown Park, with the Dub
lin Mountains for background, is an
ideal spot. The beautiful walks
amidst beautiful gardens, the perfum-
ed air, the mountain breeze, and the
feeling of sanctity pervading the at
mosphere, all combine to produce that
set of conditions eminently helpful for
an efficient and thorough retreat.
"We-about thirty of us-having
booked rooms some months in ad-
vance, arrived between p. m. and
p. m. on Saturday night, and the feel
ings of awe and nervousness which
possessed those of us who were max
| ing our acquaintance with the place
| for the first time, were soon dispelled
by the kindly reception given us by
the Guest Father. This hearty recep-
| ton calmed our fears, and, by the
time we had been shown to our re
spective rooms and had look round
the grounds, we had begun to feel
quite at home.
Immediately after tea, we were re-
quested to observe strict silence-an
| essential of good retreat-which, in
stead of being the frightful, fearful,
thing some of us had expected it to
be, proved exceedingly simple and de-
| lightfully refreshing.
"A short lecture before retiring pre-
pared us for our work, and, later, as
each of us went to our rooms we felt
| better for having come, and looked
forward with equanimity to the NOR
row, which previously had caused us
some fears and misgivings.
after a deep undisturbed nights
rest in a spotlessly clean, sweet room,
we rose refreshed, and began the day
we'll by attendance at Mass. Break
fast over, the work of 'stocktaking
began in earnest, and we were brought
in easy stages by magnificent lectures
through each department of the spirit
ual life. The free time was usually
utilized for walk through the grounds
while meditating on the points raised
in the previous lecture or reading one
of the books provided for our use.
Lunch interviewed, and as dinner-time
drew near our spiritual 'stocktaking
came to conclusion.
Dinner over, each settled himself
down to a careful examination of con-
science, which proved very simple
matter after the earnest preparation
of the morning. This was followed
by beautiful lecture on the Passion,
which excited our sorrow and con-
triton for transgressions in the past,
and helped us to form steadfast reso-
lutions for the future.
| Confession followed, and, later, as
we slowly descended to the chapel
for Benediction, our hearts were full
of joy; we felt bright, content, and
happy in the knowledge that we had
done something to repair for the past
and were resolved for the future.
con Monday morning our work was
consummated by a worthy Holy Com
munion, which brought back to many
of us happy recollections of that day
in the distant past-the day of our
first Holy Communion.
1--WE finished our retreat with the
light, airy feelings of boyhood, regret
ting that our visit had come to an
end SO soon, and looking forward to
the day when we hoped to return to
take stock again"
But many may ask in sober earnest.
ness: If retreat is such serious
business, how can it bring rest? How
can it take the place of a vacation?
The question seems reasonable and
yet it shows how far we have for
gotten the maxims and principles OF
! Christian peace by our constant ming