September 07, 2023
The "Pedal
and Pray" ret
reat took
place at the Augustine Center near Petoskey,
Michigan from Thursday, August 17th through Tuesday,
August 22nd. Our Fr. John Martin Shimkus -
along with fellow spiritual director Joe Olesnavage
and Benedictine Oblate Marty Rymarz - facilitated
this unique combination of contemplative prayer and
cycling.
Grounded in the Catholic
spiritual tradition, participants were invited to
bring their faith in God's loving presence into the
experience of biking along scenic trails and country
roads. Reflections on God's word, Centering
Prayer and stretching, and the Holy Eucharist served
as nourishment for this spiritual journey.
Fellowship and group discussion helped the
retreatants share the fruits of this sacred time.
Many of the cyclists
commented that this retreat was just what they
needed to better appreciate the ways in which God
makes Himself known in the ordinary and yet
beautiful aspects of the world around us. And
all are looking forward to the next opportunity to
"come away" by themselves to share some time with
the Lord!
Next year's "Pedal
and Prayer" will take place September 5 -10, 2024 at
the Augustine Center. Please visit their
website - augustinecenter.weebly.com -
for more information.
For the previous news
story, click here.