Spiritual Exercises: Revitalizing the Spiritual Journey

From July 10 to 18, 2026, at the Bom Pastor Retreat House in Caxias do Sul (RS), a group of 15 Pastorelle Sisters (Sisters of the Good Shepherd) from the Brazil Province participated in their annual Spiritual Exercises. The theme was "The Synodal Church," guided by Friar Laércio Duminelli da Luz, OFM Cap. Sister Ângela Soldera, Provincial Councilor and Secretary, was also present, assisting in facilitating the retreat.

Here are the reflections shared by some of the Sisters:

“The retreat followed a path based on the Final Document of the Synod on Synodality, leading us to grasp the scope of the Synod and to discover its unique characteristics and how the Church’s major concerns are reflected within it. Every baptized person has a specific role and function in the context of today’s world. Praying through the document inspired us to commit ourselves to being promoters, facilitators, and agents of synodality at every level of our lives and mission.”

“The spiritual exercises were days of grace and blessing, marked by simplicity and patience, helping me to deepen my relationship with Jesus and with my fellow Sisters.” “The retreat was a true kairos—a time of grace and renewal—in which we experienced synodality through a profound encounter with the Risen Jesus. Through listening to the Word, prayer, silence, discernment, and fraternal sharing, we strengthened our relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, renewing our commitment to journey together, led by the Holy Spirit. We departed with strengthened hearts, rekindled hope, and the certainty that the Risen One continues to illuminate our mission. May the commitments deepened during this retreat bear fruit in our daily lives, translating into attitudes and testimonies of fidelity to the Gospel, thereby strengthening our journey and our synodal praxis.”

We extend our gratitude to our Province, to the team of Sisters and laypeople at the Pousada Bom Pastor (Good Shepherd Retreat House), and to the facilitator, Friar Laércio, for making this experience of the Spiritual Exercises possible for us. We also thank our religious communities, the Pauline Cooperators, and everyone who prayed for us. Moved by the power of the Risen Christ, we return to our community and pastoral realities with renewed zeal and a readiness to serve!

Sorelle Ana Paula Salton, Sr. Inezita Antunes, and Sr. Isabel Breda, sjbp