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ST. MEINRAD, Ind. — The clergy of the Eparchy of Parma gathered for their retreat at St. Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary in St. Meinrad, Indiana, Oct. 22-25. Father Ronald Knott, a priest of the Archdiocese of Louisville and professor emeritus at St. Meinrad, was the presenter.
A seasoned priest, well-known speaker and author, Father Knott spoke from the depths of his pastoral ministry, which took him from the missions in Appalachia to the historic cathedral of Louisville. His journey eventually led him to the classrooms of St. Meinrad Seminary, one of the larger magnet seminaries in the United States, where he formed priests and seminarians.
He encouraged the priests on retreat to work together and collaborate with the bishop. Of particular help was his emphasis on the priest’s role to manage crises. In one of his talks, titled “We Don’t Have the Luxury of Coming Unglued,” Father Knott reminded the priests that their role is to stay calm and fatherly in times of distress.
Time was allowed for personal prayer, as well as for the daily celebration of Matins, Divine Liturgy, and Vespers. Among the highlights of the retreat was the introduction of two new priests from Slovakia to the larger group of clergy, Fathers Robert Jager and Michal Bucko, who currently serve in the Cleveland area.
Priests and deacons are required by canon law to make an annual personal retreat. However, the eparchial clergy gather for a common retreat every other year.
Caption: The priests of the Eparchy of Parma pose for a photo after their Oct. 22-25 retreat. (Photo sourced from Facebook)
As published in Horizons, Dec. 2, 2018.
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