Silent Prayer Retreat: Dipping the Toes into the Ocean of Silence

This men’s retreat was a meaningful and spiritually enriching experience. The reflections on King David offered thoughtful insights into perseverance, failure, repentance, and the importance of continually turning back to God.

The Benedictine monks were also incredibly kind, welcoming, and generous throughout the retreat, which made the experience even more memorable. I left feeling grateful, encouraged, and better prepared to apply these lessons in my own life.

I thought the retreat was just great. The monk who gave the retreat was personable and knowledgeable. I have been to over 20 retreats in my lifetime. I would go to St. Vincents Archabby again.

Great

The retreat was excellent. Father Nathaneal is very experienced and very knowledgeable about this prayer practice. I came away with a lot to think about in regard to my own prayer life and spiritual reading.

One suggestion is that I feel that the time spent in group lectio could have been longer (maybe 20 minutes instead of 15). The time went so fast in those rooms, and some extra time would have been appreciated.

I want to say that I enjoyed the camaraderie between the retreat master and the retreat organizer, Father Shawn Matthew. You could feel the good relationship between these two monks, and the jokes helped to lighten things up.

I have a few comments: When I became an oblate and started practicing lectio, I felt overwhelmed in that there is so much in Scripture. Father Acklin told me that the goal isn't get through the Bible and not be discouraged.

Another comment: in one of our oblate meetings, the monk who presented a talk on lectio described it has "the glue that holds everything together." I'd like to hear what other monks think about that statement!

All in all, it was a great retreat, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their prayer life and understanding of Scripture.

I learned alot as Fr Nathaniel presented high education on the scriptures and how to absorb them interiorly with lectio divina. I enjoyed the breakout sessions. Fr Shawn was also extraordinary in facilitating the needs of our group. Classic Benedict hospitality!