By John Rohlf, The Message assistant editor
Siena groups from across the Diocese of Evansville gathered last month for Ablaze Day of Recollection.
Siena groups from Evansville, Dubois County and Vincennes partnered for the Ablaze Day of Recollection June 19 at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Daylight. They welcomed Dominican Sister Gabriella Yi from the Nashville Dominicans for the retreat.
“The Ablaze retreat was very fun and inspiring,” participant Ella Fulkerson said. “The talks by the sisters were great and very informational. The games and activities were really fun too. We played Bingo, nine square, painted tote bags and prayed in adoration. Father Tyler (Tenbarge) offered confessions which was awesome too.”
Samantha Barnes, president of the newly formed Siena Council, which will provide guidance and maintain structure for Siena as it continues to grow, said it was beautiful to see the Lord working on the hearts of the Siena ladies through Sister Gabriella’s words and example.
“It was such a blessing to introduce our Siena ladies to some incredibly joyful sisters who were thrilled to share their knowledge and passion for the life of St. Catherine, our patroness, with us,” Barnes said.
While they are blessed to be surrounded by wonderful priests, there is something special about young ladies engaging in faith with consecrated women on fire for the Lord, Barnes said.
“Their love for Christ is beautiful in a way that is unique to being His bride,” Barnes said. “And exposure to the joy that comes with passionately living every vocation is so important for the young women in our diocese to witness.”
Barnes said it was inspirational to see the Siena youth set aside time to spend a whole day of their summer focusing on their faith and to what the Lord is calling them.
Sarah Fulkerson, the mother of Ella Fulkerson, said she enjoyed attending the retreat. During the retreat, she saw so many of the Siena youth so eager to strengthen their faith, she said.
“They were on fire for Jesus,” Sarah Fulkerson said. “The Dominican sisters were really amazing, teaching about the importance of the feminine Genius and how important our traits are to bringing love, empathy and tenderness to those around us. And how God provides the graces we need to have courage and follow our vocations when we pray for assistance along the way.”