Open hearts and open doors permeated the Advent retreat for Covenant Companions (CCs) held on Dec. 7, 2024. Attending CCs shared an experiential morning of prayer, chants, meditation, and conversation about the true meaning of Advent and Christmas with the day’s facilitator, Sr. Diane Przyborowski.
Describing herself as a teacher by spirit, Diane led the group in a quiet time based on breathing from the heart and modeled different forms of meditation. CC John Niemet taught the group “Open My Heart” by Ana Hernandez, a gentle chant based on a melody adapted from a Chinese traditional ostinato (repetitive pattern).
“In these times of uncertainty, it is important to open our hearts, make connections, and go deeper in a superficial society. A constricted heart doesn’t allow love and energy to flow,” noted Sr. Diane.
She continued, “We also need to examine the concept of doors I opened, doors opened for me, and doors closed to me.” To illustrate this theme, she read the moving story of St. Francis and Brother Leo discovering perfect joy as they faced cold, hunger, and rejection in the face of a closed door.
Drawing a clear distinction between Advent and Christmas elicited memories and comments from the CCs about how to honor Advent as a time of coming, meditation, preparation, and penance. CCs were invited to choose one personal Advent practice – – prayer, meditation, Scripture reading, gazing – – every day.
After the program, the CCs enjoyed catching up over brown bag lunches and desserts, a lovely respite during this busy season.
