St. Mary's men's retreat focused on Mary's journey

Friday, Sep. 23, 2016

BLOOMINGTON, Idaho — Thirty-six men “walked with Mary” during the 6th annual St. Mary Men’s Retreat Aug. 12-14 at a serene site near Bloomington, Idaho. The retreat united men from parishes throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City, Malad, Idaho, and Edwards Air Force Base in California. The retreat is meant to provide a spiritual journey allowing men to confront their personal demons, sometimes for the first time in their life. 

The retreat focused on the Biblical journey that Mary took from Nazareth to the foot of the cross, then culminated with her assumption and coronation as Queen of Heaven; it was inspired by Dr. Edward Sri’s new book “Walking with Mary.”   

Father Gustavo Vidal, pastor of St. Mary Parish in West Haven and leader of the annual retreats, said the transformations that occur as a result of the retreats is rarely achieved through any other experience.  

“What an awesome, humble, powerful and transforming experience,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “I thank the Lord Jesus Christ and our Blessed Mother Mary for allowing us to be part of something that goes beyond our understanding and comprehension. I thank all the men that were part of this incredible weekend.  l am honored and grateful to be part of your lives. …”

Bonds have been forged at the retreat that become stronger and deeper each year. 

However, Fr. Vidal has discovered men must continue to meet after the retreat to allow their “mountaintop experience” to translate it into a lived reality, and for mutual support to apply the principles they discovered during a retreat.

 Therefore, monthly gatherings are held under the banner “Flame Keepers.” Those interested in preparing for the 2017 retreat may become involved now with Flame Keepers.

Pictures from past retreats and details about next year’s retreat may be found at the St. Mary website, www.stmarysutah.org.