Saturday, June 13, 2026, was a glorious day to spend with others on retreat. Members of the Connecticut North East Area organized the first retreat day for women given by Fr. Joseph MacNeill, ChD, at St George Church (Guilford, CT). It was the first time our Area organized a day of spiritual formation for women.

More than 65 women –including several Dames and Associates of the Order of Malta– began the day with Holy Mass which included the Anointing of the Sick; confessions were also heard. Fr. MacNeill did a fantastic job talking about prayer, listening, intercession and mission. The day was planned by Gina Raymond, Jackie Herbert, Elizabeth Simonetti and Paul Zalonski, members of the Order.

The retreat day is a new Area ministry called “Joshua 1:9 Retreats” providing opportunities for spiritual formation of women. We will offer regular, substantive and impactful spiritual formation in light of the charism of the Order of Malta informed by sacred Scripture and Tradition: “Be strong and courageous … the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).