White House Retreat

A week ago, my class of seminarians were sent on a retreat at the Saint Louis Jesuit Retreat House, The White House. The idea is that, being pre-theology students who just a few months ago were living and working in the secular world, we require a weekend early on for reflection, prayer, and relaxation. The move from career to seminary can be quite an adjustment, and the weekend was a chance to reflect on how we got here.

We shared our stories about how we felt God's call. We prayed, relaxed, took naps, and enjoyed nature. It was a wonderful weekend. Here I will share some of my snapshots from the Friday-Sunday retreat. Enjoy.

We arrive on Friday night and get settled into our simple rooms in this beautiful building. We notice the rooms each have their own bathroom, which is a treat while living at the seminary.

After unpacking in my room, I went for a moonlit stroll along the "stations of the cross" path. Here, you see the crucifix lit by moonlight with a background of stars. It was a beautiful night.

Saturday morning I awoke in time to stroll down to one of the patios and enjoy the sunrise over the Mississippi in peace and solitude.

After sunrise I again strolled along the path near the stations of the cross. I think this is the thirteenth station, where Jesus is laid in the arms of his mother (but I'm not sure).

Here is a snapshot of a busy bee at work near one of the walking paths.

Pre-Theologians on deck. Here you see my classmates doing some spiritual reading and enjoying the view over the river.

Here we are enjoying another beautiful night, chatting on one of the patios. Our retreat was not explicitly a "silent/no-talking" retreat. But the other retreatants were enjoying a silent retreat, and we got scolded here for talking.

When I woke early on Sunday morning, anticipating another sunrise, I was met with fog over the river.

Just as I finished Morning Prayer while watching the fog burn off the river, my classmate Brian strolled by.

The fog began to burn off and the sunlight illuminated a few dew-covered spider webs along the walking paths.

The sun was finally warming things up. Fog, trees, and a sunrise always means interesting pictures.

Brian, deep into his Morning Prayer, didn't notice I snapped his photo here. This gazebo offers a peaceful place for contemplation.

Ah, fog slowly rising off of the river. What a beautiful, relaxing weekend.