On September 19-21, 2025, four young women visited the Motherhouse to participate in this month's Vocation Weekend Discernment Retreat. They came from New Bedford, MA, Milford, NY, Newark, OH and Humble, TX. It was a busy time to come to Avila as we were also hosting a public Scriptural Rosary on Saturday, September 20th. The International Sisters who are with us as part of the Avila Institute of Gerontology's "Sisters Aging Well Together" program also added to the richness of community recreation and liturgy.  Sister Michelle Elizabeth organized a community game which was enjoyed by all. The schedule of the week allowed for silence, personal and community prayer times, conferences, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Confessions, tour of the Heritage Room by Sister Jeanne Francis and personal time with the Vocation Director.  And to close, a visit to Dell's Ice cream and sandwich place!

As we prepare for the Feast of Saint Therese on October 1st, we commend these discerners to her care, that they may remain open to the will of God in their lives. May they find the courage to take the leap of faith one needs to begin the journey! And may we continue to pray for God to send us good and holy vocations and to make us worthy to receive them!