"I closed my computer after finishing my M.Div. written synthesis exams around noon. A few hours later, I arrived at Glastonbury Abbey to begin the retreat. I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open during prayer. The biggest grace of this retreat was an opportunity to sit and pray about all I'd learned over the last two and a half years and written about over the past two days. I realized that while I had seen the synthesis exam as "the end," the real project is living out what we wrote about in practice: recognizing God's grace in the world, attending to the needs of our neighbor, and creating a culture of encounter in our Church."
-Sarah Morris, M.Div. '25
"I really enjoyed our time at Glastonbury Abbey with the Benedictine monks. It was clear to me that they take to heart their call to hospitality. We were welcomed to mass and prayer and conversations. Something I noticed about Benedictine prayer is its cadence. It was much slower than I was accustomed to. It was both jarring and beautiful. It was an invitation to be more intentional about what I was saying. I often say prayers like the Our Father from memory, but I don't pay attention to the meaning of the words I'm saying. The monks invited me to slow down and be still. As the semester progresses, I pray that I remember to slow down. To be intentional. To be hospitable. To hear with the ear of my heart."
- Julia D'Agostino, M.Div. '24, Th.M. '25
"The retreat location at the Benedictine Monastery was truly wonderful, both in terms of space and time. The setting of the monastery provided the perfect conditions for me to enter into silence and listen more easily. I really appreciated the theme of this retreat, which focused on “Listening with the Ears of the Heart.” It highlighted the importance of first listening to God's voice and understanding what God is calling me to do in life. We had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in our own quiet, sacred spaces. Throughout our days together, we were also able to pray, share, and listen to one another.
During our prayer hours and mass with the monks, we experienced the beauty of monastic life. I was particularly drawn to the monks' hospitality, which made me feel welcomed and at ease as if I were returning to a familiar place.
During my retreat days, a Bible verse in the Gospel of Mark 6:50 resonated with me: "Take courage; do not be afraid." I felt God telling me that while life may not become easier, I should be brave and trust in God, as God will always be by my side. This experience provided me with a renewed sense of hope and energy, preparing me for the upcoming semester. By allowing God to accompany me, I will find true peace and strength in my life.
-Sr. Thuy Hoang, M.A. '26