Priests, deacons, and religious orders are required by canon law to have a five-day retreat once a year. I leave for my annual retreat on Monday, May 6 and return on Friday May 10. Often, I am asked “what is the difference between a retreat and a vacation?” A vacation involves relaxation and entertainment; while a retreat involves solitude, contemplation, and rest. In both cases, it is preferred to travel to another place and to minimize as much as possible routine work.
This year I am returning, after a six-year absence, to Montreal for my annual retreat. I have used Montreal for retreat many times in my priesthood. Like Rome, Montreal has four basilica churches. On my retreat, I visit, pray in, and explore each of them.
My favorite church in the world is St. Joseph Basilica on the mountain over Montreal (which means Mount Royal). This church has long been home to the Holy Cross order. I have a special devotion to St. Andre Bisset, a Holy Cross brother buried there after a long life of holy service. This basilica has Stations of the Cross on the outside hillside; each station features an enormous sculpture as the pilgrim climbs the hill to get to the final station, the Resurrection. Rain, snow, or shine I always pray the stations here.
The second church I will visit is Notre Dame. This beautiful blue and gold French church is dedicated to our Blessed Mother. Over the years, I haven’t spent as much time here as in the other churches, so this year I am making a point to spend an entire day there. There is a famous laser light show telling the story of this beautiful church that I have never seen, always thinking it is too touristy. This time I will see it.
The third church is St. Patrick, the English church (most churches in Montreal are French) and is a beautiful Gothic cathedral. I can easily concelebrate Mass here because I speak the language! I always go to confession here, essentially for the same reason. It was the first church I visited on my first visit to Montreal and is a sentimental favorite for me.
The fourth church is the cathedral, Our Lady, Queen of the Universe. This church is built on the scale of the Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City. Every visit reveals some similarity to the iconic church in Rome, always a strong reminder to me of the universal nature of our church.
I will have plenty of time to relax, to sleep, to walk, to read, and to reflect, especially this year which is my 25th anniversary of priesthood. I always pray for all of you and your intentions on retreat and ask you to pray for me as well.
