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Building a Civilization of Love - A Series of Mornings of Reflection with Matt Rousso
Before concluding his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo writes about what he calls “five paths toward daily and public responsibility.” (§213 ff) His contention is that we are all called to join in building a civilization of love, which “…will not arise from a single or spectacular gesture, but from the sum total of small and steadfast acts of fidelity that serve as a bulwark against dehumanization.” . . . We will have 6 Days of Reflection in the 2026-2027 series. Each day will focus on one of the paths that Pope Leo contends that we must follow in order to build a civilization of love – which, in truth, is what Jesus talks about so often in His Gospel as the reign of God. After an opening prayer and reflection each day, we will form small groups to engage in a directed Conversation in the Spirit.
Though it is highly recommended, one does not have to attend every session to benefit from the program.
Session #1: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Theme: “The Need to Disarm Our Words” (§214) . . . The first contribution we can make toward a more humane civilization is to be mindful of our words. “Let us disarm words and we will help to disarm the world.”
Registration: Our day will begin with gathering at 8:30am and end at 1:00pm; it will include Mass and lunch. Because of a generous donor, the cost will be only $10 rather than the usual $25.
You may register using the form below or call the retreat house at 504-267-9604. Please register with your payment early to help our retreat staff make appropriate plans for lunch.