a brief retreat...

This morning John and I & the 7 youngest took a drive over to Maria Stein. The weather was just beautiful for a stroll through the woods there at the Spiritual Center. It's been since last summer that we were last there, and I was amazed at all the changes going on. Wow! We always like to take the rosary path through the woods, and were pleasantly surprised to find the trails now paved with concrete sidewalk. There were 1/2 dozen or more new concrete grottos, not yet complete, along the path. I'll be anxious to see what they have in store for them. The kids love to splash there hands in the water of the Respect Life Memorial (which is just beautiful!) I could be wrong, but I also thought the outdoor stations had newly built wooden displays. Everything is just looking amazing and beautiful. I suspect we'll be visiting more often as the weather stays warm just to see how things continue to progress. For those who've never been, the Spiritual Center and retreat house have beautiful woods with trails, complete with Rosary walk, Outdoor Stations, a pond with bridge, and many places throughout for quiet reflection. It's located right behind the Maria Stein Center and Shrine of the Holy Relics which is another must-visit. What a great way to spend an hour, an afternoon, or maybe someday even a weekend retreat. It's on my wish-list somewhere!