After the 6:30 and 8:00 a.m. Masses this morning, I went to the house to do laundry and pack. At 12:30 p.m., I left for my annual retreat. Every year, we (priests, deacons, brothers, and sisters) are required to make a retreat so that we can focus on prayer and rest and recharge the ol’ spiritual batteries.
At 2:30 p.m., I checked in at the Springhill Suites in Lincolnshire, Illinois. They are located about fifteen minutes from Mundelein. I am on the fifth floor of this six floor structure.
After checking in, I went to Bob Chinn’s in Wheeling, Illinois. I haven’t been there in over ten years. They are just as good as I remembered!
After a late lunch/early dinner, I went to St. Mary of the Lake Seminary. They were getting ready to close the grounds for the evening, so I did a quick drive through just to see the place.
Afterwards, I went next door to Marytown, the Conventual Franciscan Friars’ place. It has perpetual adoration and is an absolutely gorgeous place to pray.
When I left Marytown, I stopped at Jewel-Osco in Libertyville for some Diet Cherry Pepsi. You may get your caffeine hot in the morning. I like mine cold. 🙂 I came back to the hotel, put the pop in the fridge, and am going to stay in for the rest of the evening.
Retreat is about prayer, yes. But it’s also about rest. I am in need of both. More tomorrow!