Franciscan Retreats: May People with Disabilities

People with Disabilities

Since our coming to Prior Lake in 1965, Franciscan Retreats has always hosted a retreat for people with disabilities.

The plant was built to enable people in wheelchairs to move freely from their rooms to the chapel, dining room, and lounges. This has always been a very special retreat for the friars, reminding us that no one on this planet can live without the generous support of everyone else. We are family!

The group of twenty-one people who attended this year generously and eagerly created a community to hear and celebrate the Word of God. We feel extraordinary joy in one another's company, united as we are in the willing spirit of Jesus.

Following are some of their remarks about the retreat:

Enjoy the sunshine. The retreat has given me hope. The love of all the people witnesses the acceptance of me and all our illnesses.

Whatever you’re paying the cook, she deserves a raise!

I am always blessed by the peace and serenity and the feeling of God in everyone here. Every event spoke to me. I was also blessed to see the renewal in my friends. Thank you so much.

By holiness I am striving to be more God-like and Christ-like.

I think the food was just great.

Holiness is a power greater than myself. Living in a Christian based society is strong medicine to me. This holiness will be there for others and myself.

Intent Listening to the Word of GodIf we just listen to God’s word and follow His example we would be able to be Holy People. It sounds easy, but it’s not so easy in today’s society. Society wants a pain-free world in an All-about-me way. God has blessed me with the presence of many Holy People this weekend. Being with people who have accepted their crosses and have a joyful outlook on life, their spirits lift me and make me feel blessed.