
Since September 2013 I am in sabbatical. I had the privilege to do the 40-Day Spiritual Exercises Institute in Loyola House, in Guelph, Ontario, here in Canada. I have just come back from this “Place of Peace”. During these days of silence in the countryside, I walked and praised God for his creation always in process and movement, and I experienced the gentle presence of God and also some times of darkness. It was so powerful to pray with other people coming from Australia, Ghana, Hungary, Hong Kong, the USA and Canada, with the same desire to follow Jesus Christ more closely. The directors were witnesses for us and shared their faith, helping us to turn toward Jesus Christ. I have two more sabbatical months coming up, and I will continue to treasure these moments of blessings.
One of the prayers that St Ignatius said and that he suggested to others keeps on nourishing me and comforting me. It is called “Soul of Christ “.
“Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O Good Jesus, hear me
Within thy wounds, hide me
Permit me not to be separated for thee
From the wicked foe defend me
At the hour of my death call me
And bid me come to thee
That with thy saints I may praise thee
For ever and ever. Amen”
Marie-Noelle