“An oasis on the spiritual journey” is a rich and profound image to describe a retreat  of the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres in July, 2018 conducted by Fr Joseph McCabe - the retreat Master. The theme of the retreat was "Following Christ by imitating Paul". Fr. Joseph started and ended the annual retreat by a famous quotation from C.S.  Lewis “You cannot go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you  are and change the ending”. This idea is very close to Pauline spirituality. As St Paul  have said “forgetting all that lies behind me and strain forward to what lie in front”  (Phil 3:13). This is also the purpose of retreats where the Sisters are equipped and  strengthened on their spiritual life to start again and journey towards the Supreme  Goal.

There were many profound insights and inspirations one can gather from Pauline spirituality which is impossible to list out here.  I like especially Fr Joseph’s homily on the mission which had left a deep impression on me. Using the passage from Mk 6:7-13, he stated three things are needed as one sets out on any mission journey. First, a “walking stick”- trust in God, so that we can lean on Him, get steady and keep our  balance. Second, “go two by two”- we need support and help from our fellow  companions because the mission is too immense. Third, “shake the dust off from  your feet”- don’t be paralysed by our failures. We need to try our best and be  courageous to move on after our falls. Through the talks, the Sisters were  encouraged to learn to lean on God’s providence, trust in their spiritual companions  and ready to move on.

Sr. Maria Josephine Phan