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"Conversations with Nancy Sylvester, IHM”

 

In his 1949 hymn, The Summons, John Bell wrote,

“Will you come and follow Me if I but call your name? Where you go where you don’t know and never be the same? Will you let My love be shown, will you let may name be known, will you let My life be grown in you and you in Me?”

Accepting that call requires that we strive for a close relationship with the Lord in order to know the path to take.

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We are called to be peacemakers in God’s Word, just as clearly as in this song. As workers for God’s peace and justice, we seek ways to sustain and, also, refresh our efforts and ourselves.

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“Reflection and Renewal…for the Long Haul” was the theme of last October’s annual retreat, held at the Maryville Retreat Center, Holly, MI. The spacious grounds of Center were bursting with autumn beauty. The ever-present sand cranes were watching us while we enjoyed watching them. It was raining when we arrived Friday night, however, once we carried in weekend luggage, and sacks of snacks into the gathering area, we were warmed by the solace of seeing kindred spirits.

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Our facilitator for the weekend was Nancy Sylvester, IHM. Nancy was formerly the National Coordinator for NETWORK, a Catholic organization in Washington, D.C., that works for justice and right relationships in the Church and in society. In 2002, she founded the Institute for Communal Contemplation and Dialogue in response to here experiences working in Washington D.C.

Themes in Nancy’s presentations throughout the weekend included themes of building relationships, remaining compassionate, using nonviolent means of communication with all people, and always respecting the dignity of everyone. A highlight of her message was the time spent experiencing through formation the spiritual discipline of Contemplative Prayer, also known as Centering Prayer. It is used by many religions in various forms. Catholic writers Richard Rohr and Thomas Keating have written about it.

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Nancy Sylvester was very informative, always including an author, book, or speaker for every topic. She was fun, experienced, an expert in her field. We felt we had learned and grew spiritually from all that she shared.

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Saturday night included a great time of singing, together and solo. Some of us brought poems or passages from books to share.  Sunday morning’s communal Eucharistic celebration brought us together one more time for centering, music, reflection, and prayer.

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We were all so grateful for the comfortable, clean accommodations. It was ever so quiet at night. Our thanks also was extended to the nuns and caretaker of the facility for the delicious and plentiful food, along with their expressions of joy.

“Song of the Soul” by Cris Williamson was sung more than once, and especially enjoyed just before we parted.