A Retreat for Married Couples
June 1-3, 2012
“Until death do us part!”
God, who created humanity out of love—which is the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In the first chapter of the book of Genesis, we learn that all humanity is created in the image and likeness of God, who is Himself love. The mutual love between man and woman, then, becomes an image of the absolute and unfailing love with which God first loves each of us.
Good marriages are made in heaven! That old adage is still true. Marriage is a holy sacrament and an instrumental part of God’s plan for human happiness and fulfillment this side of paradise. Yet even the best marriages include a variety of problems, some of which are inherent in the simple fact of two people from different families trying to make a life together. Other problems are likely to arise from the peculiar pressures unique to our modern American culture.
The retreat will consider the social, legal, moral, spiritual, sacramental, and psychological elements of a good and healthy marriage, the natural individuality which must be present to sustain the relationship throughout the lifetime of the couple, as well as the sacred bond of unity that can support and help the couple renew their promise of mutual fidelity in the best and even the worst of times.
Retreat master, Father Bonaventure Curtis, O.S.B., was himself married for 28 years before entering monastic life. His wife, Rose, passed away in 2000. Together they were blessed to raise three daughters. Father Bonaventure has been a Benedictine monk since 2004 and a priest since 2010. He is the Vocations Director for the Saint Vincent community and teaches Business Law at Saint Vincent College.