Hi, I have a break until 3:30, so I thought that I should journal about my experience today.

This morning, Tom and I arrived at the Franciscan Renewal Center at 6:25.  We went to the Healing Garden to say our morning prayers.  I started to feel very weepy and emotional.  After prayers I went to the bathroom and cried.  I didn't want to be around anyone at all.  I felt totally lonely and lost.  I had fully intended to go to Mass at 7:00, but that didn't happened.  All I wanted to do was run away.

I tried to hide from everyone, including my husband Tom.  I felt like I had lost my best friends, God and Tom.

I went into the St. Clare Blessed Sacrament Chapel and the tears began to flow.  I was out of control.  I stayed there until 7:50 and was out of control.

One of the retreatants, Rosemarie, started coming down the sidewalk as I was coming.  She could see that I was very upset and asked what was wrong.  I couldn't explain why I felt so sad and teary.  See told me that she thought that the devil was trying to get a hold of me.  She said to pray to St. Michael the Archangel for protection.

After breakfast, I went to the conference room for the second session of the retreat.  Fr. Cyprian was so excited about the Lord and His Word that I had an awakening.  The next session was even more stronger than the first.  I now have a peace about me that can only be explained as a gift of Grace from the Lord.

By the way,  being quiet on this retreat isn't as bad as it could have been.

Praise God!

Back later........