I am one of seven participants at a writer's retreat sponsored by The Liturgical Press and the St. John's Bible Project. Any excuse to return to Collegeville, MN, is a blessing. I am staying, once again, in the Abbey Guest House - a marvel of simplicity and function. The private singles are on the subterranean level. When I opened my curtains this morning, I found myself in the snow-covered pines on the edge of a seriously-frozen lake - too beautiful for words! This prepared me well for the first "Visio Divina" session this afternoon. "Visio" is a new monastic term - a gift from the St. John's Bible Project. It is a prayer form that allow the Word to be heard as well as seen. After the pericope is read, you gaze at the corresponding illumination from the SJB. The added layer of spiritual stimulus makes for a rich experience of the Presence. It is akin to praying with icons but monastic in its process. It was a powerful experience. We will pray this way together six more times in the next two days. This is intense! I am happy to be here - to embrace friends and professors past. I am grateful for these days to dwell on the Word with ears and eyes and heart. Please keep me in prayer as we write.
Blessings and love to you all...
- Siser Vicki
