2024 Annual Clergy Retreat: Ignatian Spirituality

[February 8, 2024]  This year's annual clergy retreat took place at Camp Mokulē'ia, January 29-31, 2024.  Over two dozen clergy gathered together for the retreat which was led by Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick.  Pictured above are (seated L-R): Kate Cullinane, Irene Egmalis-Maliaman, Moki Hino, Haaheo Guanson, Steve Costa, George Wong; (standing L-R): Jenn Lathan, Mark Haworth, Carol Arney, Amy Crowe, Sandy Graham, George Browning, Keleawe Hee, Frank Condelo, Peter Wallace, Mary Margaret Smith, Christopher Golding, Alison Dingley, Karen Swanson, Alberta Buller, Bob Fitzpatrick. (Those who attended but are not pictured: Jazzy Bostock, Amy Kropp, Katlin McCallister, and Heather Patton-Graham.) 

The tranquility and breathtaking scenery of the Camp, combined with cooler trades, made for an idyllic setting that went perfectly with the retreat's theme: ​ "Examining the Examen" – the Ignatian process of reviewing our actions in the presence of God. ​ Even one of God's elusive creatures (monk seal) paid a visit!

​The Daily Examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence and discern his direction for us. The Examen is an ancient practice in the Church that can help us see God’s hand at work in our whole experience. (From the Ignatian Spirituality website)

Prior to the retreat, the Bishop provided the book Reimagining the Ignation Examen to resident clergy, written by Jesuit priest, Mark E. Thibodeaux, SJ, who serves as a spiritual director for Jesuits in formation. During the retreat, the Bishop introduced the online "app" that is linked to the book.  

Says Thibodeaux about the app, "If there’s any prayer that can be called a prayer on the go, it’s the Examen. I did my Examen today on an airplane, using my iPhone, and I didn’t have to be showy about it. No one even noticed what I was doing.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Daily Examen and Ignatian Spirituality, visit the website HERE.

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Photo: Keleawe Hee

​"Seeing the sunrise at the Clergy Retreat symbolized the fresh outlook I received after being together with the Bishop and my fellow clergy colleagues! Can't wait for next year!" ~ The Rev. Keleawe Hee, Good Samaritan

"As a brand-new priest in the Diocese, I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity get to know my clergy colleagues at the retreat—three days of hearty fellowship, spiritual refreshment, stimulating conversation, and prayerful insight as Bishop Bob guided us through the Examen. And of course, the scenery at Camp Mokule’ia was breathtaking. I’m deeply thankful for this time away full of aloha and welcome as I prepare to serve at St. Timothy’s in ‘Aiea." ~ The Rev. Peter Wallace, St. Timothy's

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Reporting: Sybil Nishioka
Photos: Alberta Buller, Sandy Graham, Keleawe Hee