In what may have been the final retreat he leads on Dec. 9, 2017, Monsignor Bernard Powers urged more than 20 participants in the “Advent Day of Prayer” to find quiet time with God this Advent season.
“Advent should make us ask, ‘What is my greatest desire in my being?’” Monsignor Powers told the participants who gathered in the Angela Conference Room at the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center.
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” said David Huber, who along with his wife Teri traveled from near Louisville to attend. “He’s been a remarkable part of our lives. We usually made all of the retreats,” dating back 20 years, he said.
Monsignor Powers arrived at Maple Mount in 1967 to serve as chaplain for the Ursuline Sisters and teach religion at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. He turned 91 earlier this year and has been a priest for 65 years.
Sister Mary Matthias Ward, director of the Retreat Center, introduced him by saying, “We’ve said this is Father Powers’ swan song, but he told me it was whatever the director wanted, so we’ll see.”
Here are some pictures from the day.
