Brothers of the New Orleans-Santa Fe and San Francisco Districts met on retreat at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre California from June 19 through June 24th. Enthusiastically positive comments about the retreat were exchanged among the Brothers as they returned to their homes at the close of the retreat. This week-long gathering ended the first year of a two year ongoing formation program in which all Brothers of the USA-Toronto Region are participating.

The quiet setting of the Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center at the base of a mountain in Sierra Madre California provided a welcoming atmosphere conducive to prayer, relaxation and comfortable exchanges among the Brothers. Facilitator Brother Michael French of the Midwest District offered input and promoted lively conversations about a variety of issues in contemporary religious life. Highlights of the week included biographical vignettes of iconic Brothers of the two Districts as well as presentations on the foundational stories that reflect the culture and values of each District. Social gatherings, communal prayer and informal interchanges between Brothers provided opportunities for renewing old and establishing new relationships. The decision to bring the Brothers of the two Districts together on retreat is viewed as an initial step in what are likely to be further discussions and meetings leading to increased collaboration toward a common future.