Clothed with the Sun

This is the 2015 theme.

Project Teams

First Event (July 26-August 1, 2015)

Second Event (August 9-15, 2015)

Notes for Teaching

The theme, "Clothed with the Sun", a reflection on human dignity, ties into the current emphasis of reflection in the Church. The Extraordinary Synod on the Family 2014, the encyclical "Laudato sii" on care for creation, the 2015 Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September, the 2015 synod of Bishops which will carry on the reflections of the 2014 synod... and even the preparations for World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow - a return to WYD's and theology of the Body's origins and the "original" Środowisko of JPII.

Sunday

• Reflection -- Being

Goodness of creation. Why something instead of nothing?

All possibility for faith begins from the perspective of creation, createdness.

Belief in a Creator is the Judaic-Christian world view.

Belief in a Creator/ Creation is compatible with some ideas of evolution and space-time, the prerequisite for scientific research (intelligibility of nature).

Belief in a Creator/ Creation is NOT compatible with an "Eternal" world (the medieval criticism of Aristotle),

Many have criticized Pope Francis for issuing his encyclical letter on the care of creation, “Laudato sii”, saying that perhaps he would have done better to issue a letter on the Church’s teaching on gender or on the sacrament of marriage. Yet belief in creation, and respect for it, form the foundation for other themes such as human dignity.

• Icon: Gesso

Monday

• Reflection -- Human Nature

What is the same, the shared "ground" of human nature?

• Icon: Tracing

Tuesday

• Reflection -- Male/Female

What is different, how does complementarity impact our lives?

• Icon: Basic color

Wednesday

• Reflection -- Nuptiality

Chastity, tenderness, ascesis (self denial)

Ontological character of relationship

How to form right relationships.

• Icon: Shading

Thursday

• Reflection -- Making the Gift

Friendship

Accepting those given to us (family, friends, mentors, etc.).

Vocation

• Icon: Highlights

Friday

• Reflection -- Uniqueness

Same destination but every path is different

Pilgrimage

• Icon: Gloss

Saturday

Sharing

Ecclesial Art Project

See Icons.

• What icon will we write? The Anastasis

We've chosen to focus our retreat on one icon in particular to aid a shared reflection. The Anastasis shows the redemption of man and woman and focuses on the Resurrection of the body, tying in nicely with the theme. The figure of Christ in the Anastasis icon is "clothed with the sun", shining with glory, the same glory int he icon of the transfiguration.

• What is the best way to mix the paints to create the skin color? Ask Britta.

• What materials do we need?