September Retreat of the Polish Episcopal Network
“Broadening Horizons”

On 6-8 September will be held the next retreat of the Polish Episcopal Network with the motto “Broadening Horizons”. This time we will meet in Szkolne Schronisko Mlodziezowe (Youth Hostel) in Pulawy near Lublin, Wlostowicka Street 27. ( See map )

Our friends from Holland who attended the last Eucharist in Krakow were surprised, having crossed the Polish-German border a few days earlier, how easy it was: no controls. Of course, they knew very well that Poland has participated in the Schengen agreement for many years, but the image of a border often impossible to cross from many years ago is still in their memory. Their horizon was still defined by divisions that many participants of the Polish Episcopal Network know only from stories.

We usually think of the fact that one doesn’t have to display their passport when travelling across much of Europe as positive. But the elimination of borders does not always make baner-wrzesniowych-english our lives easier. Borders are not related only to obstacles; they also make orientation easier and help to define who and where we are. That is why a lack of borders often results in discomfort and rebellion. In a world eliminating many borders and orientation points, many would like at least the church to define limits  and horizons clearly; to set up road signs.

The Gospel we will read together on Saturday also tells about a certain border. Jesus meets a woman of another nationality who asks him for help. We can assume from his words that he doesn’t feel called to act beyond the borders of Israel.  Only her attitude makes him change his own and broadens his own horizon. An Anglican Bible scholar, Bishop Tom Wright, sketches in his writings a portrait of Jesus Christ who doesn’t come to the world “finished”, but – like every one of us – gradually discovers his vocation. Is it possible that this meeting made Jesus realize that his mission goes beyond all borders?

In a sense our retreat can be called “vocational” – provided that we remember that “vocation” doesn’t mean only, or even in the first place, vocation to the priesthood or to the monastic life. It is the soft yet powerful voice of God which everyone can hear in their lives. It’s a voice that doesn’t impose anything, doesn’t compel us to do anything, and yet gives life content and meaning – not only with regard to individuals but also to communities. This is why we will think together about our vocation and try to discover who/what we are and whom/what we should become – both as individuals and as the Polish Episcopal Network.  What is our identity? What is the horizon of our actions, our thinking, our faith and how can we maximally broaden  it?

We invite everyone who would like to take part in this process to join us in praying, meditating on the Scriptures, thinking and talking, and celebrating the Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Of course there will also be time for individual pastoral conversations and confession.

Bishop Pierre Whalon will be our guest and, like always, we will be honored to welcome the Rev. Prof. Konrad Rudnicki who celebrates Episcopal services in Krakow.

Participation

If you would like to come, please write to us ( [email protected] ). We will then ask you to transfer 50 zł as prepayment. The entire cost of participation in the retreat, that is of a room for two nights and three meals each day, is 100 zł. If this seems more than you can afford, please let us know and we will try to help.

See you in Pulawy!

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