Retreat to focus on Resurrection

Sister Barbara Bowe, RSCJ, is a scholar who has a "common touch, one that can make difficult theological concepts completely understandable," according to someone who knows her.

Sister Bowe, a professor of biblical studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and director of the Biblical Spirituality program there, will bring her qualities and qualifications with her when she presents a retreat in the Albany Diocese.

On April 8-10, she will visit Doane Stuart School and Kenwood Convent in Albany to present talks on "Living Today into the Resurrection: Gospel Wisdom and Challenges."

Back home again

Sister Bowe told The Evangelist that she is looking forward to returning to the area where she grew up. A native of Fonda, she is a graduate of Kenwood Academy (now Doane Stuart) and taught at the school.

She said that her retreat will address the deeper understanding of the theological term "mystagogia," the continued and ongoing catechesis of the newly baptized.

"I am hoping to get participants reflecting on this Easter season, and exploring what its impact is in our everyday faith journey and how we can live into Christ's resurrection today," she explained.

Deeper faith

Sister Bowe will present six Scripture readings and ways to interpret those passages to find a deeper understanding of what the Resurrection means.

She will explore "The Empty Tomb: Conquering Our Fears and Going to Galilee" (Mark 16); "Emmaus: Walking Together, Telling the Story and Sharing the Bread" (Luke 24); "Mary Magdalene in the Garden: Stop Clinging to the Past" (John 20: 11-18); "Thomas: Touching the Wounds and Being Peacemakers" (John 20: 19-29); and "Breakfast by the Sea: Never Giving Up and Risking the New Moment of Forgiveness and Hope" (John 21:1-14).

"By working through the various elements of these passages," she said, "we can draw connections that will help us walk together into Christ's Resurrection and make it meaningful for us today."

(Sister Bowe's retreat is the first in a series at Kenwood Convent. Reservations are required. Contact Alice Kolb at 434-0222 for more information.)

(3/31/05)