Some people have asked me how I began giving retreats to the Missionaries of Charity, and what it is like to do so. Others have asked that I give at least part of such a retreat in our own parish. In response to this request, I will give an “MC Retreat” for all who wish to come on November 28th-30th. But to give you an idea about these retreats…. I usually give one entitled “Fiat Mihi,” which is the Latin for “Let it be done unto me.” It focuses on Our Lady’s “Yes” to God through the angel Gabriel (the first Joyful Mystery), and from there I go through most of the 20 mysteries of the rosary. The sisters began asking me to give them retreats about five years ago. They ask me to give about five a year, but I can do only two or three. They fly me out and I stay in a “priest room” on the compound. I don’t take any compensation for these retreats. Normally they last eight days, with three talks a day, Mass, confessions and spiritual direction. About 25 sisters attend from the four or five countries in the region. So far, I’ve given retreats in Italy, Uzbekistan, Scotland, Ghana, New Mexico, Ecuador, New Jersey, California, and Brazil. I use my vacation time rather than parish time to give them. I always take a stack of books to catch up on my own reading between talks. The sisters feed the priests three meals a day and provide snacks. It’s not hard to gain weight on these retreats. The convents are simple but clean, located in poor areas or slums. Often the area is noisy and hot, and in southern countries, one must be careful not to get sick with malaria, dysentery, infections, fevers or pick up any parasites. I did get a fever while in India, and it felt like my number was up. Even though medical resources were primitive, the sisters showed me such loving care that I could not help but recover. One must also be careful not to get mugged or shot by going out at night. I had a close call once in South America with a young man and his pistol, but my guardian angel protected me. Giving these retreats is hard, but rewarding. I go because I am asked to go, and because the joy, purity and prayerfulness of these sisters greatly inspires me. I need these sisters far more than they need me.