Attracting a full house, Fr. Paul Hottinger facilitated a morning of Advent reflection on Dec. 6, 2025, that focused on Incarnate Love: the Mystery of Every-Growing Transformation.
Covenant Companions (CCs) and several discerning CCs came together to understand more about God’s incarnate presence in all creation and how they can be attuned to their divine potential. Retreat participants enjoyed a morning of learning, silent meditation, and small-group sharing as they explored the possibilities held within the incarnation. “The Incarnation opens up dimensions within us and the mystery of God within us,” noted Fr. Paul.
Fr. Paul spoke eloquently about the difficulties modern society faces as individualism is celebrated and solidarity fades. He encouraged the CCs not to gauge their lives by temporal success, but by honoring the divine possibilities within them as manifested by the fruits of the Spirit. “God is never done with us, even after death,” explained Fr. Paul.
Many participants resonated with the concept of love is infinite, mercy is infinite, and goodness is infinite. The retreat closed with a communal reading of the Magnificat as a response to God’s call in Mary’s life as well as ours.
For additional inspiration, retreat attendees also received the Advent issue of Still Point published by Tau Center and the Advent liturgy guide for the OLA Chapel. After the program, everyone enjoyed catching up and sharing holiday wishes over a casual lunch.
