Priests of the Diocese of Vitoria begin spiritual exercises led by Bishop Elizalde
Priests of the Diocese of Vitoria are spending six days on retreat this week at Angosto, in the Valdegovía valley, with a second retreat open to everyone in October
The Diocese of Vitoria, in Spain's Basque Country, has begun a new round of spiritual exercises for its priests, taking place this week in the Valdegovía valley. The retreat is led by the bishop of Vitoria, Juan Carlos Elizalde, and is intended to offer time for reflection and prayer after the summer.
Over six days the participants meditate on texts and messages drawn from the Gospels, with two meditations a day and long periods of silent prayer. Mass is celebrated daily, and the sacrament of reconciliation and spiritual accompaniment are also available.
Ignatian material for reflection
As part of the retreat, the priests are reading and reflecting on the book "Despertar a la vida diferente," by the Jesuit Ignacio Huarte. The book focuses on fostering Ignatian spirituality. Alongside it, the priests are using a special publication that brings together the addresses, messages, homilies and meetings of Pope Leo XIV during his recent visit to Spain, which took him to Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands.
Second retreat open to everyone
Once the retreat at Angosto ends, a second round will be open to all the faithful, including lay people, priests, consecrated men and women, and young people. It will be held at Cucho, in the Condado de Treviño, over the long weekend of the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar, starting on the afternoon of Friday, October 9, and ending on Monday, October 12.
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