The aim of the “Back to the Future” project was to finance a 3-day retreat at the Carmel de Mazille for 13 people from modest backgrounds who are members of the Le PAS association. This organisation is attached to the chaplaincies of the psychiatric hospitals of Le Vinatier, St Jean de Dieu and Saint Cyr Au Mont d’or in the diocese of Lyon (France).

The people who regularly attend the SSP chaplaincy are at the origin of the project: they wanted to experience a time of spiritual retreat at the end of July 2023. Your donations supplemented the contributions of the retreatants who, even though they have very modest incomes, were too proud to accept a free retreat– all wanted to participate in their own way towards the expenses.

A programme specially organised for retreatants

“We drew up 3 booklets (one for each day) to provide a structured, reassuring framework and a good support for the times of sharing and remembering during these meetings. 

To ensure that everyone felt at ease, we proposed a variety of times: group times, times with the Carmel community, personal time, manual activities, the possibility of going for a walk in sub-groups, etc.” Sr. Inès

A big laugh, a wink of God

During the stay, two Carmelite nuns met the group to answer their questions… One of the participants asked quite simply if the nuns were allowed to go out, and if they could have a nice pizza delivered.

“We sometimes go out for shopping, for medical reasons or to visit a member of our family. As for the pizza, we can see that you haven’t tried our great pizzas yet. Then you’ll know that we don’t need to order any…”.

“At the evening meal… you guessed it, big pizzas from the cook, all as delicious as they were beautiful, were waiting for us! We found it hard to keep quiet. We had a good laugh!” Sr Inès

Everyone also had the opportunity to help weed raspberry bushes and other shrubs, and to make bundles of wood.

An experience of silence and contemplation

Taste and allow the Word of God to resound in silence, in a natural setting and supported by the prayer of the Carmelites, with alternating times of solitude and fraternal sharing.

The times of solitude enabled many of us to find peace within ourselves and to discover certain biblical texts. Others felt more at home outside, encouraged to meditate in the beautiful natural setting of the monastery, while still others preferred the times of prayer in the chapel with the sisters.

All the participants experienced and appreciated the extent to which the spiritual dimension made room for the body and sensitivity.

A very positive stay

The spiritual break went very well and there were no anxiety attacks. The supervision by 5 welcoming staff known to the participants, the understanding of the Carmelite sisters, the precise timetable, and the possibility of choosing between the activities provided a safe and supportive framework that respected each person’s progress.

“It’s difficult to measure the impact of a time of recollection other than by the joy and peace that many of them experienced, and by the testimonies that are also being passed on to other people we welcomed. We would like to share these precious pearls with you, who have helped us by co-financing this project and by praying for these 3 days. Thank you for your support!” Sr. Inès

“Closing your mouth does your ears good.”
“I felt carried and protected.”
“In the middle of nothing, it was an infinitely open space… in the beautiful French countryside”.
“The meals were good, well prepared, with simple and natural things.”
“I felt good and useful. I was comfortable and impressed.”
“Joy of being together and getting to know each other in a different context.”
“The good warm milk, cheese and butter from the farm…”
“The times of solitude were peaceful and the sharing rich… It did me good.”
“Good atmosphere and good understanding. Complementary communion.”
“The crescent of sisters around the altar like an unsinkable boat.”

With them, thanks to you!

Sr. Inès Barnabé, DC
Source: projets-rosalie.com