Angels among us

Mary DeTurris Poust (Courtesy photo of CINDY SCHULTZ)

When I first met Walt Chura 18 years ago, it was by phone to express my concerns that the silent retreat I’d signed up for (and which he was leading at Pyramid Life Center) might not be a good fit for me. He encouraged me to attend and reminded me there was a reason I had registered. Then he added a caveat: not only were we not allowed to speak, but we also could not read, write or make casual eye contact. Once I picked my jaw up off the floor, I agreed to attend anyway, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and the beginning of my deep affection for this gentle soul who died last month.

At his wake and funeral, Walt was remembered for his kindness, his intelligence, his faith, his humor, his knowledge of and love for all things related to Thomas Merton, and his commitment to living the Gospel in the radical way we are all called to live it but rarely do. Although my time with Walt was limited to the annual “Merton in the Mountains Retreat” and conversations we had when I included him in a book I wrote on spiritual friendship, his impact on me was deep and lasting. I found myself near tears wondering aloud to his sons what it must be like to have everyone know in their hearts you are surely a saint when you pass from this life. I really believe that to be true. That’s the level of goodness that Walt exuded. Oh, to be even one-tenth that faithful.

But Walt’s death made me think of others who have crossed my path and left a beautiful indentation on my soul. I think of the late Trappist Father John Eudes Bamberger, who heard my confession and gave me spiritual direction on retreat at the Abbey of the Genesee and whose image and words I keep on my desk as a constant reminder of the lessons he tried to impart. In one short weekend, he offered me insights and not-so-gentle spiritual nudging that continue to guide me all these years later.

A few days after Walt’s funeral, I was on retreat at the Dominican Retreat and Conference Center, where I never fail to be lifted up and moved forward on the spiritual path by staff, presenters and fellow retreatants. This past weekend was no different. In the prophetic hands of Sister Kay Kanick, RSM, we pondered the words of Philippians 4:6 — “Do not worry about anything” — even as the world seems to insist we worry about everything. Her joyful faith and powerful witness had me sitting there in awe, grateful to be in her presence and among other women whose stories moved me to tears but filled me with hope. It’s not the first time that has happened at DRCC. Just last year, Father Bill Sheehan, OMI, did the same when he guided us deep into centering prayer and friendship with God.

What all of this reminded me, as I reflected, is that we are surrounded by angels, some unseen and ethereal and others walking right alongside us. When I returned home, I started to tick off the spiritual icons who have entered my life at various times and taught me the lessons I needed to learn. I am blessed to say that I could make an album of icons, and I bet you could too.

Jesus made it clear that we are not meant to walk this journey alone, but so often we try to do just that. When we do, we end up afraid and isolated and unsure. When we seek out others, especially those who are further down the path and can light the way, we realize again that ours is a faith of community, not just when we are sitting in the pews, but when we are walking through our days. Find your community and lift each other up during these dark days when it is easy to feel alone and afraid. Who would be in your album of spiritual icons?

Mary DeTurris Poust is a writer, retreat leader and spiritual director living in the Capital Region. Join her on retreat at Dominican Retreat Center on March 6-8. Info: https://notstrictlyspiritual.com/events/.