Berkeley, CA — This October, we welcomed young men to the “Come & See” retreat, a special opportunity to explore the Capuchin way of life and discern whether God is calling them to this path. Central to being a Capuchin is our counter-cultural approach to simplicity and detachment. This theme resonated throughout the retreat, emphasizing how even attachment to our own lives can hinder our closeness to God. Participants were encouraged to consider what they might need to relinquish in order to more fully follow Christ, including worldly pursuits on their journey toward religious life.
Here are some of our favorite moments from the October retreat:
“Sister Death” Theme
The theme of “Sister Death” is significant in the Franciscan tradition. St. Francis is often depicted with a skull, symbolizing his understanding of death not as something morbid, but as a means of detaching from worldly attachments—like clothes, money, and even one’s ego. Throughout the retreat, participants reflected on the concept of death as a passage that invites us to let go of these attachments, allowing for a deeper relationship with God. Engaging in discussions around this theme encouraged many to think about what they might need to release in their lives.
Coinciding with the Feast of St. Francis
The retreat took place during a very special time for us Capuchins: the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, our seraphic father. This timing allowed participants to deepen their devotion to the saint whose footsteps we strive to follow. Highlights that were particularly special included the Transitus ceremony, moments of veneration with the relic of St. Francis, and visits to the National Shrine of St. Francis, making the experience even more significant. We felt the intercession of St. Francis throughout the weekend, guiding us in our reflections and prayers.
A Procession in the Streets of Berkeley
On the feast day of St. Francis, retreatants and friars took to the streets of Berkeley with the relic of St. Francis. As they sang, “Jesus, Remember Me When You Come Into Your Kingdom,” passersby paused to observe the procession. This public display caught the attention of several neighbors, leading to powerful conversations about the significance of our gathering and opportunities for evangelization.
Preparing Meals for Those in Need
Participants had the chance to experience the Capuchin ministry of outreach by preparing meals for the needy and homeless. This hands-on involvement allowed them to witness firsthand the Capuchins’ commitment to serving those in need, embodying our calling to see Christ in those we serve.
Fraternal Brotherhood
Throughout the retreat, participants developed a strong sense of fraternal brotherhood. Daily Mass and moments of Adoration offered opportunities for prayer. We also shared discussions and messages about discerning our vocation and learning more about religious life. We enjoyed fun games and shared stories that created lasting memories.
We invite you to come and see what the Capuchin life has to offer, check it out for yourself, and continue to answer God’s call as you seek where He is leading you. We invite you to our next “Come & See” retreat on December 6-8 in Berkeley, CA. Sign up today: https://capuchinswest.org/contact-retreat-sign-up/
