“God is the rock of my heart, my portion forever.” (Ps. 73:26b)

This word accompanied us during the days of the Northern and Eastern European Retreat for consecrated members, held on March 21-23, 2023 at the Oases of Vyšný Klátov in Slovakia. Two years of pandemic followed by the war in Ukraine made it impossible to organize community meetings, so with renewed joy we enjoyed these wonderful days given to us by the Lord. His presence was strong and especially manifested during the times of community prayer through the prophetic word and in moments of fraternal sharing, accompanied by the beautiful spring weather that invited us to go outside and go for walks. The brothers and sisters came from Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany and Ireland and we all listened to the teachings given by the Pastor General and the pastors of the various celibate communities present at the meeting. This gave us new strength to “bear witness to the light, which shines in being together,” the word with which Fr. Giuseppe concluded the retreat.