Early Summer Retreat for New York Oratory of St. Philip Neri

The members of the New York Oratory of St. Philip Neri were blessed to share a retreat together in Long Beach Island, New Jersey during the first week of Summer 2020.  Through the generosity of a St. Paul and St. Ann parishioner, the Oratorians were provided with accommodations in this peaceful and picturesque seaside town.  All Oratorians shared in the retreat, being joined for the first time by Steve Neier, in the first probation (formation) with the New York Oratory since May 2020.  This was also a golden opportunity to celebrate the 25 anniversary of Priesthood journey that Father Vladimir, Provost, had achieved this year 2020. 

The Oratorians enjoyed spending time together as brothers and friends to pray, build community, and share their experiences and dreams.  Free time was spent enjoying swimming, bocce ball, nature walks, and group bicycle rides to the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park in Barnegat Light, New Jersey.  God blessed the Oratory with beautiful weather during the days of retreat.  

Each day, the community offered a morning Eucharistic celebration streamed via the St. Paul and St. Ann (SPaSA YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcOoFrKobhXJT4p6foueSOw).  On June 24 ^th, the Solemnity of St. John the Baptist, the principal celebrant was Rev. Tom Kunnel, C.O., Administrator of St. John the Baptist Parish, Piermont, N.Y.; the homilist was Rev. Ravi Dasari, Nyack Hospital Chaplain.  Fr. Ravi reminded us of the finger of the Baptist pointing to Jesus Christ in Karl Barth’s inspiration taken from the artwork of Matthias Grünewald.  On June 25 ^th, the principal celebrant was Rev. Francis Conka, C.O., pastor of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Tappan, NY; the homilist was Rev. Joseph Ravi Narisetty, Parochial Vicar of St. Paul and St. Ann Parish.  Fr. Joseph’s reflection offered us the questions, “Who is my rock?  On whom do I build my life?”  Masses were concelebrated by all of the priests of the Oratory who were present.     
In addition to individual reflection, this time also permitted the members of The New York Oratory to reflect upon best practices and lessons that had been learned in the early days of parish reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic.   Weekday and Sunday Masses had just begun to resume in the weeks prior to the retreat which was a great joy to the Oratorians.  
“The Oratory gives thanks to our loving God for the rest and spiritual renewal that came about as a result of this joyful time together. As St. Philip Neri reminds us, ‘All is grace,’” said Very Rev. Vladimir Chripko, C.O., Provost.