Retreat Associates Jeanne Jugan
The Association Jeanne Jugan is a lay association of the congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor, created with the purpose of enabling lay people to share the apostolic riches of this Congregation and helping spread the charism of Jeanne Jugan.
On the 14th 15th and 16th of October 2024 A group of Associates from St Peter’s and St Anne’s homes of the Little Sisters of the Poor London were happy to make a three-day retreat at the Franciscan Centre Ladywell Surrey. Canon Luke Smith was the spiritual guide inviting us to meditate on the words “Little and Poor”, following in the footsteps of St Francis and Jeanne Jugan.
Ladywell is a Franciscan convent in Surrey. The Franciscans Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood are called to follow Christ in the spirit of St Claire and St Francis of Assisi living the gospel values: love, peace right relations and inclusiveness and care for creation. There invitation to the retreat centre is “Come away and rest for a while”.
Ladywell grounds offer many different spaces for quiet reflection and the enjoyment of God’s creation. There is also an outside Stations of the Cross, we had the opportunity to make the stations and also recite the rosary in the beautiful grounds. It was nice to walk to the shrine of Our Lady. This shrine was built by the Sisters in the 1950’s on the site of the ancient chapel. This has been a place of prayer since the 7th century.
The three day retreat was a time of peace, calm and silence. Canon Luke Smith gave two talks during the day and the homilies at daily Mass were linked to the theme of the retreat, “Little and Poor”. We recited morning and evening prayer together and after the evening meal an hour of silent adoration enabled us to listen to the Lord and also pray for the intentions of the world.
Silence during the meals was appreciated and also listening to soft well-chosen music as we enjoyed the meals. The accommodation was very comfortable and there were many chapels and rooms where we could find silence. The chapel is very beautiful with stunning stained glass windows to admire.
Father Luke Smith was available for anyone who wanted to see him. This retreat will help each associate to deepen their love of God and their neighbour .Pope Francis reminds us to say Please, thank you and sorry. This can be our resolution in order to become poor in spirit and humble of heart.