BALLYVALOO, BERKLEY AND IN-BETWEEN!!

8TH. JULY 2011 BALLYVALOO, BERKLEY AND IN-BETWEEN!!
This past week, I was surely breaking new ground! Most of my companions on the train were heading for The Tall Ships Festival in Waterford. However, leaving the historic town of Wexford in the company of an old school friend, Lila, and being driven by her niece, we passed a few seaside villages and finally entered the gates of our retreat venue, Ballyvaloo. Recently refurbished, this glorious place is ideal. It has plenty of grounds and a magnificant beach. Facilitator to our group was a Sister Joann Heinritz CSJ, an American of German extraction. Sister is well known as a retreat giver and she has worked in a number centres throughout Ireland. On the way to Ballyvaloo we had passed Berkley wood and our driver remarked that this wood had given the name to an American University.To our surprise, the Sister was introduced as being a staff member of that University!

Our week was a very good experience of input, silence, marvellous liturgies and of course the beach! Each evening we had an hour of "Body Praise" - a mixture of both aerobics and Pilates! This was completed inretreat atmosphere. Now, as I return to Belfast, I have heard ripplesof a busy weekend ahead. It is great to feel all set for what the new day will bring!

Have a great weekend! For Belfast readers,- "Be prepared to celebrate".