Fiat Retreat 2017 draws young women in journey to find will of God

Fiat Retreat 2017 took place in the Diocese of Baltimore and Harrisburg this summer. Sister Carmen Flores and Elizabeth Garciano attended the first group of the Fiat Retreat in Baltimore. Sr. Patricia Marie Barnette joined them in the second group from the Diocese of Harrisburg. The retreat took place at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, from June 29 to July 7.

“We set up our table when we arrived. The Fiat Retreat was designed so that the young people could visit the tables between retreat activities. This was when we were able to talk with and get to know the young people. I was really impressed by these young women. They were so attentive and quiet. They were also funny, so we had an amazing time,” said Sr. Carmen.

Fiat Retreat shows faith it takes to follow call of Jesus

Fiat RetreatSr. Elizabeth said, “I really appreciated the experience of reaching out to the young women who desire to live religious life. The girls who attended the Fiat Retreat showed the faith it takes to follow the call of Jesus. It gives me hope that their particular calling will become clearer as they continue their journey to find the will of God in their lives.”

“It was truly a blessing to be at the Harrisburg Fiat Retreat. I was inspired by the young women who are searching so beautifully for the will of God in their lives. They gave me so much encouragement just by their presence, their reflections and faith,” said Sr. Patricia Marie.

Sr. Elizabeth said she especially enjoyed the presentation on the “love story of Jesus” in our lives, the importance of the Sacraments, the instructions on how to pray the Divine Office, the silent adoration during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and meditating on the Word of God. She said she was also deeply touched by Sisters from different congregations who spoke about their spirituality and charism.

Sr. Elizabeth was invited to share her views on the contemplative dimension in the Church. As she shared her vocation story, she said it became alive for her all over again. “My endless gratitude to God for the beauty of my consecrated life will always remain in my soul, body and spirit as I continue my own conversion and inner transformation and my commitment to serve the people of God and all creation,” she said.

Visit facebook to see more photos of Fiat Retreat 2017. 

Jeanette McDermott

Jeanette McDermott

Jeanette is the Communications Coordinator for Sisters of the Good Shepherd Province of Mid-North America. She is a career photojournalist who has served in various capacities of print, broadcast, and corporate communications. Jeanette is devoted to creation and is particularly focused on saving pollinators and other wildlife species and their habitat. She is an ethical vegan and created the website veganstoryteller.com