The 2025 retreat of the Spiritans, British Province, can be a themed “My Time of Refreshment.” Held in a peaceful atmosphere ideal for spiritual renewal, Hinsley Hall, Leeds, the retreat was guided by the gentle and insightful presence of Bishop John Arnold, Bishop of Salford.
A Word of Welcome
The retreat began on Sunday, 25th, May 2025 at 7:30 PM, with Bishop John’s opening conference. He welcomed the Spiritan brothers with heartfelt words of appreciation, recognising the passion and creativity they bring to their missionary service across the United Kingdom. He expressed confidence that their ongoing work would help spark new vocations and fan the flames of missionary zeal in the region.
A Bishop’s Journey
Bishop John, of Irish descent, was ordained a bishop in 1983. Much like Claude Poullart Des Places, the founder of the Spiritans, he initially considered a legal career, following the hopes of his father. But a priest’s question when he was just 14 years old —,“Have you ever thought of becoming a priest?” planted the seed of a lifelong vocation.
His journey began with five years among Romanian missionaries before transitioning to the diocesan clergy. He went on to earn advanced degrees in Canon Law (Licentiate and Doctorate), served as chaplain at Westminster Cathedral for eight years, and later as Vicar General, then Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster. He was eventually appointed Bishop of Salford, arriving in a diocese where he knew just four priests and had never visited Manchester before.
A Call to Recollection, Reflection, and Renewal
After sharing his own story, Bishop John invited the Spiritans into the heart of the retreat through three vital steps: Recollection – Reflection – Renewal.
“We can be good and hardworking as priests,” he noted, “but still lose touch with our spiritual depth.”
He encouraged each participant to ask himself:
- Who am I?
- What am I?
Though united by the Spiritan charism and the common gift of ordination, each priest has a unique mission, a specific call from God. To discover and live out that calling requires intentional reflection and continual spiritual renewal.
A Time to Rekindle the Flame
The 2025 retreat offered more than rest; it invited the Spiritan family to return to the source, to rekindle their spiritual fire, and to listen anew to God’s quiet voice within. Guided by Bishop John’s wisdom, the retreat served as a reminder that every missionary journey begins with a moment of silence, a spark of inspiration, and a renewed heart ready to serve.
Expect more reflections from the same retreat.
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