WHAT COMMUNITY OF DIVINE LOVE HAS MEANT TO ME

 

From the time I participated in the founding service at the Community of Divine Love, I knew this would be a place of refuge and spiritual nourishment.  Eleven years ago, I was grieving the death of my husband and searching for spiritual solace and wisdom.  I started reading and writing with the Sacred Journey group and attending retreats at CDL and Mt. Calvary in Santa Barbara, as well as continuing my Centering Prayer practice  and  attending the beautiful Taize services.

 

Br. Dennis was my compassionate spiritual director.  I loved the Friday Eucharists in the little chapel followed by lunch and fellowship and the fun we often had at dinners and through projects such as building the labyrinth.

    

CDL is a revolutionary community that connects with the outside world, especially with those on the margins.  The welcome hospitality and love of my brothers and sisters at the monastery not only enhanced my inward spiritual life but miraculously led me to become a lay chaplain in the jails and to attend the Spirituality Center at Mt. St. Mary's, where I became a Spiritual Director.  The authentic friendships I have made, the kinship and grace I have experienced at CDL and in the jails, and the life-giving prayer life I now live as a CDL Oblate have been the fruits of my time at CDL.  Although the local loss of the monastery is tragic, I am looking forward to the dynamic expansion of the Community of Divine Love. I love all of you.

 

Barbara Lester, CDL Oblate