Holy Family College Retreat at Mariannhill Monastery

by Admin · March 10, 2023

Grade 10 learners at Holy Family College went on a retreat to Mariannhill Monastery.

“The Grade 10 learners spent a day of retreat at Mariannhill Monastery. This was a precious time to bond as the body of Christ and see His presence and glory in our lives. Ora et labora (the Benedictine motto) – to learn to work and pray and to see this example around us, a glimpse of the past through Brother Albert, who was our guide. He took us to the printing press, the candle maker, the woodworking workshop (his own passion and contribution to the community), and St Anne’s church.

We connected to God in His place of prayer, St Joseph’s Cathedral, and acknowledged the magnificent paintings that bring the Bible’s message to reality. The angels from the book of Revelation, Abraham, the prodigal son and woman with the alabaster jar. We shared, prayed and felt the sense of mystery which prevails in a holy place. We marvelled over Abbot Francis Pfanner’s austere and simple life depicted in his humble lodgings and we invited God into our lives and shared a meal. What a glorious day and how blessed are we to be able to take time out of our academic studies to enrich our understanding of our Faith and see how the monks left a lasting impression of God and beauty for many to wonder at and witness.” – Teacher, Mrs B. Stephenson