Miami Retreat

CVIF is on retreat again in Coral Gables, right next door to the fabulous Viscaya on Biscayne Bay.  Our group is a little more introspective this time and not so rambunctious, as we are aware we are coming to the end of our service year, and most are discerning their futures.

Tuesday we visited Camillus House, a facility for the homeless in the Overtown section of Miami.  It has everything:  medical services, library, vegetable garden, computer/media room, chapel, even its own post office and zip code.  There are rooms for 80 residents, who are ready to make their way back into the world after detoxing, etc.  At night 100 mats are placed under a canopy for those who come in off the street.  We served lunch in three sittings, mingling with those who welcomed our interest.

Wednesday was a day of silence from wake up until 6:00 p.m. dinner.  Adjacent to the retreat property is a church and chapel, LaSalle High School and a shrine to Our Lady of Caridad, patroness of the boat people who left Cuba when Castro took control of the Island.  So there were plenty of places to pray, meditate and read.  That night we participated in 'masking'.  We made death masks (my term) of one another while Sister Florence read a mediation on the way we all wear masks in different situations in our lives (a favorite subject of Thomas Merton) and that we must unmask to become our authentic selves.

Thursday was talent night.  Our leaders were the American Idol panel, and just as funny as the performers. The acts were hilarious and touching, ranging from solo arias, modern and liturgical dance, recitation, etc. Walter was the master of ceremonies with a slew of corny jokes.  I never suspected there was so much talent among us.