Retreat puts accent on healing

A Jesuit priest's experience with Oglala Sioux in North Dakota has inspired him to develop a retreat on healing that he will present on Pentecost weekend, May 13-15, at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Clifton Park.

Rev. Matt Linn, SJ, will offer "Peace Be With You: Recovering Serenity and Freedom," sponsored by the Albany Diocesan Service Committee for Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

He told The Evangelist that he will focus on the healing graces of the Holy Spirit and how they can transform people.

Indian points

"Working with the Sioux was a life-transforming experience for me," Father Linn said. "There was so much poverty there, and so many people overwhelmed with alcoholism and depression. The suicide rate was very high.

"Many who were the victims of violence chose to react with their own violent behavior, hurting or even killing others. The cycle of violence was overwhelming. Yet, forgiveness and getting in touch with one's inner self was also evident.

"I met a woman named Pearl Walking Eagle whose children were all killed by this cycle of violence, her entire family completely destroyed. Somehow, she made the decision to forgive those who had destroyed her family. By doing so, she was able to heal herself. That is what this retreat will explore."

Forgiveness

Father Linn said that when a person allows himself or herself to forgive, the result is personal transformation and a deep healing of one's spirit.

"When Jesus left the disciples," he noted, "He sent the Holy Spirit to transform them into bold risk-takers, rooted in a deep peace not shaken by violence or death. As a result, they were able to transform themselves and others.

"When we pray, we often expect healing, serenity and freedom. That can only come after such a transformation, especially when people have been hurt, violated or wounded. This is true on a personal level and also on a world level. I believe that if people can forgive each other, they can heal and grow."

At the retreat, Father Linn added, "we'll discuss some issues that will get us there, such as trying to recall our first memory of what it felt like to be at peace and our first memory of being loved. Then we can look at our wounds and seek, through prayer, the healing love of Jesus."

(Father Linn, originally from Minneapolis, is the author of 20 books, including "Sleeping with Bread" and "Good Goats," as well as children's books on healing and forgiveness. In addition to the retreat, he will celebrate the Hispanic liturgy at St. Patrick's Church in Albany on May 14 at 7 p.m. and preach at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany on Pentecost Sunday, May 15 at 5 p.m. Registration is required for the retreat, which costs $15, at St. Edward's parish in Clifton Park. Call 371-7911.)

(5/05/05)