Summer Retreat for Women Religious expounds on the mystics

The 2022 Summer Retreat for Women Religious brought an opportunity to learn how the mystics explain the spiritual journey as an effort in letting go in order to be received in love.

The retreat runs from July 17-22 in the St. Ursula Community Room at Maple Mount. It is led by Father John Ettensohn, a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate who lives in Oakland, Calif. Here are some pictures from the July 19 session.

The Sisters gathered in the St. Ursula Community Room at 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day for the retreat. In between was Mass and optional individual conferences.
Father John Ettensohn makes a point about paradoxes in the Catholic faith. He has preached retreats or parish missions in 22 states and Canada during his 35 years as a priest.
The Sisters listening to Father Ettensohn include, from left, Sister Julia Head, Sister Betsy Moyer, Sister Susanne Bauer, Sister Mary Matthias Ward, Sister Mary Timothy Bland, Sister Barbara Jean Head and Sister Karla Kaelin.
Sister Elaine Burke, left, and Sister Catherine Barber follow along with the discussion, as do Sister Susan Mary Mudd and Sister Catherine Kaufman in the second row.
The Sisters provide a rapt audience for Father Ettensohn. From left are Sister Ann McGrew, Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger, Sister Nancy Murphy, Sister Margaret Ann Aull and Sister Rosanne Spalding.
Sister Mary Henning, left, and Sister Ann Patrice Cecil listen to Father Ettensohn talk about paradoxes.