The desert, seemingly barren, can transform into a nurturing oasis with just a hint of water. This scene serves as a metaphor, with God as the life-giving water and humans as the parched desert, and beautifully encapsulates the Poustinia retreat. Derived from the Russian word for desert, Poustinia is an ancient tradition revitalized for modern spiritual seekers.
Originating with Russian Orthodox Christians, the Poustinia retreat, new to WJ students this year, involves solitude and fasting as means to peel away life’s distractions to offer a deeper communion with God.
Catholic adaptations of the Poustinia involve a 24-hour period of complete disconnection from today’s fast-paced world. Participants engage in a profound silence, with only Scriptures, a journal, and a religious icon or crucifix as companions. This spiritual journey often includes the austere practice of eating only bread and drinking water.
Ms. Glowe, the Vocations class teacher and coordinator of the retreat, explained the choice of Poustinia with clarity. “It’s a direct path to understanding what retreats fundamentally aim for: knowing God, self-discovery, and nurturing deeper connections with others,” she said.
The retreat, held at Loyola Retreat House in Clinton, Ohio, included 12 seniors from the Vocations class. Following a communal dinner and prayer service, each student retreated to a simple room to start their 24-hour journey in solitude. The curriculum had prepared them with various spiritual practices, including breathing exercises, lectio divina (a contemplative Scripture reading technique), journaling, and restful meditation.
Catherine Clemens initially had reservations. “I was worried about feeling confined and restless. But those concerns quickly faded to an experience that was surprisingly liberating” she reflected. “It was an opportunity to disconnect from external noise and truly listen to my inner voice and find a sense of peace.”
Jacob Schraibman, another participant, found comfort in the solitude. “It was a rare chance to pause and deeply reflect on my life’s journey—acknowledging my achievements, contemplating missed opportunities, and setting intentions for the future,” he shared. “The retreat allowed me to engage in a personal exploration of my faith. I also prefer a more personal and private experience with God and faith, so this retreat really suited me well,” he concluded.
Ms. Glowe is enthusiastic about continuing these retreats for students and is considering extending the opportunity to adults. “Exposing students to different kinds of retreats is important. It helps them understand that there are multiple paths to spiritual growth and self-understanding,” she commented.
Sammy Eiswerth • Mar 26, 2024 at 1:21 pm
This seems like such a great retreat for students!