Have mercy on me a sinner...

Saturday I was invited by the Basillian Fathers (Eastern Melkite Rite, who are in union with Rome) to spend a day of recollection, prayer and silence at their seminary located in Methuen, Massachusetts. In the book written by Thomas Kempis called Imitations of Christ he states, “In silence and quiet the devout soul advances in virtue and learns the hidden truths of Scripture.”

Shortly after I arrived I was taken by a seminarian to my cell (for the day).



I spent the following 3 hrs reading, “The Confessions” by St. Augustine. I never spent a day alone in silence before so I was excited to see how much God would open my heart.



After reading, I napped of course and then met with Fr. Martin. The best way to describe Fr. Martin is having the insights of a saint, after a short 15 minute discussion with him, it was obvious he read my soul. So he gave me 4 scripture passages to meditate in the chapel for the rest of the day. For the next 8 hrs, I spent time in and out of the chapel.



Had time to Journal...


and said a rosary in their beautiful chapel!



As the day started to close, I met with Fr. Martin and he was able to offer follow up responses to the scripture passages I meditated on. He also gave me an icon of Our Lady of Vladimir and prayer beads that was custom made for him, so that I can start praying the "Jesus Prayer". It is not to be confused with a Rosary. I was so excited and blessed to have received these gifts. Basically, each bead you say, " Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner."