Our annual retreat, with the theme “Islands of Silence”, was an opportunity for our oblates to gather and to step away from our busy world and take some time for reflection and prayer. The retreat took place during the the first weekend of Lent, February 16-18, at the Washington Retreat House. Our Retreat Director was Father Jay Kythe, OSB, of Saint Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, Kansas. Fr. Jay hails from New Orleans, LA, the son of immigrants from India. He currently serves as the Subprior, Director of Formation, Retreat Master, and Master of Ceremonies for liturgies. He also serves as a Sacramental Minister at Maur Hill – Mount Academy in Atchison, KS.