On retreat: Jersey boys

I’m here in scenic Easton, Pennsylvania, not far from Allentown and Bethlehem, leading a retreat for the deacons of the Diocese of Metuchen. It’s a great group, and a lovely spot—although very very warm. (At last report, 95 degrees, not counting the heat index). We’re about half-way through the retreat—titled “Believe, Teach, Practice: the Deacon as New Evangelist”—and we have a nice break this sunny Saturday afternoon, so I thought I’d post a few pictures.

Here’s the Saint Francis Retreat House.

[img attachment=”113074″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_6219″ /]

Stroll around the grounds until you feel at home…

[img attachment=”113075″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_6224″ /]

There’s a gorgeous chapel.

[img attachment=”113076″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_6210 (1)” /]

The mosaic of St. Francis is something to behold.

[img attachment=”113077″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_6211″ /]

So are the stained glass windows, depicting key moments in the life of Francis.

[img attachment=”113078″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_6213″ /]

This beauty is over the choir loft.

[img attachment=”113079″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_6209″ /]

Outside, there’s a lovely garden with the Stations of the Cross. The centerpiece is St. Francis, turned at what seems to be an odd angle—until you realize he’s facing the rising sun.

Yes, he’s ad orientem.

[img attachment=”113080″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_6215″ /]

This statue of the Holy Family was outside my guest room window.

[img attachment=”113081″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_6228″ /]

Since it’s so hot, we haven’t ventured outside much. Let’s go back inside.

Here’s the main lobby.

[img attachment=”113082″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_6239″ /]

And there’s also a gift shop.

[img attachment=”113083″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_6200″ /]

Statues. (St. Stephen!!)

[img attachment=”113084″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_6201″ /]

And something I’ve never seen before: a Divine Mercy baby Jesus.

[img attachment=”113085″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_6203″ /]

And this. Flavored popcorn.

[img attachment=”113086″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”0c74ec70-51c1-43f2-9f17-1b1d74b54cb4″ /]

The center recently hosted a retreat for icon writers, and some of their material is on display, too.

[img attachment=”113087″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_6243″ /]

Including some works-in-progress.

[img attachment=”113088″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_6241″ /]

All in all, we’re having a nice, restful time. More to come. Wherever you are, I hope you’re cool. The deacons of Metuchen sure are!

[img attachment=”113089″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”00a20597-ee98-4c19-8278-89b8256cc249″ /]