Sunday, December 23, 2012
Silent retreat at Seven Fountains (Chiang Mai)
Just returned from 3 days spent at Seven Fountains, a Catholic retreat centre in Chiang Mai. Had gone for a silent retreat, a breakaway from times past, when we had gone to Osanri and Kwang Lim in South Korea instead. Compared to Kwang Lim, Seven Fountains has what I would describe as "raw beauty"... it is not as scenic, the gardens are overgrown and haphazard at parts, and mosquitoes abound. But just as we are treasure in earthen vessels, Seven Fountains grew on me as the days passed. As I spent time in quiet meditation seeking the Lord for the things on His heart, I began to see the gems in the place. There are wonderful creatures in the place - beautiful birds I could not identify, squirrels, moths... and God spoke more deeply to me there than before. The Jesuit Father who was my spiritual director was also always gracious and full of wise counsel.
In particular, God spoke to me through the cat family! He spoke to me about trusting in His love through a very loving cat which roamed the grounds. And He spoke to me about His majesty through a lion I saw at the Chiang Mai zoo (within walking distance from Seven Fountains). It made me realise that the Great King of the Universe, the Most High God, the Lion of Judah, loves me unconditionally, just the way I am. The revelation brought tears to my eyes :)
It was a very precious time for me with the Lord; sitting in His presence, communing with Him. I grew to appreciate the sanctuary that Seven Fountains is, a place away from home to be in silence and solitude and to tune in to what is on God's heart.
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Sounds great! I would like to visit in December. Where can I obtain more information on the retreat.
ReplyDeleteHi Art, you can find the Seven Fountains website online. Info on cost/night, their address are there. You can email them to reserve your room as well as ask for a spiritual director if you like one!
DeleteThank you for your reply. I hope to move the date up to January 2016. I need this christian atmosphere away from a hectic life. I will find your website when my date timeline is secure.
DeleteThe very best to you in the Lord. Art Ben