White House Retreat: Photos

This afternoon, a Sunday afternoon, my classmates and I returned from a retreat at the White House, a Jesuit retreat house south of Saint Louis. Our retreat was short, at only two days in length. But it was relaxing. There was a good deal of time to reflect on how things have changed in my life as the academic year has progressed. When talking to people about seminary life, I often come off sounding like a regular college student. There is a whole dimension to seminary life than goes beyond dorm life and college courses. It is an experience that changes one's life in profound ways that are difficult to express. These retreats help us to order our thoughts about God, the priesthood, and our own calling in life. Just as importantly, they helped us relax before final exams start in just over a week.

Our class visited the White House back in October. The place is beautiful. During our October visit, weather conditions conspired to make the experience especially amazing. I took many photos, some of which are on the blog entry from back in October.

This visit was perhaps more spiritually and mentally fruitful than photographically fruitful, but I did get a few pictures:

The recent freezes devastated trees all over the St. Louis area. But trees are rebounding now and some green leaves are appearing again.

Some of the shrubbery are blossoming as well. Oh, how I wish I knew something about trees and plants. What is this thing, anyway?

I really wanted to get a detailed, sharp picture of this flower which I'm told is an iris. This one turned out o.k., I think.

This is the chapel on the White House grounds.

The retreat house overlooks the Mississippi River. While relaxing on the lawn I watched as barges pushed cargo upstream and down.

I have more pictures and perhaps more to say about the retreat. For anyone who's never made a retreat, I highly recommend it. Even if it's just a few days in silence and solitude to ponder on your path in life. It can be a meaningful experience. I may post part of my prayer journal online, if I decide that is prudent.