My sacred space is the grounds of St. Paul of the Cross.
It is sacred for me because the grounds of St. Paul’s Retreat Center have become my sanctuary, where every step feels like a prayer and every leaf whispers of God's presence. As I walk beneath the canopy of trees, the soft rustle of autumn leaves beneath my feet seems to carry away my burdens—the weight of my loneliness, heartaches, and struggles. Here, amid the vivid colors of fall and the serene paths, I feel held by a Presence that is both intimate and boundless, soothing my spirit and refreshing my soul.
In this sacred space, God speaks not in thunder or lightning but in the gentle, healing voice of nature. The trees, steadfast and strong, remind me of resilience; the open sky invites me to let go, to breathe deeply. With each step, the rustle of leaves beneath my feet becomes a gentle hymn, and the whispers of autumn’s breeze brush against my soul.
The beauty around me sings a song of hope and renewal, each color a reminder of the love that surrounds us even in our hardest times. In this sacred space, I am held in a presence that is soothing, refreshing, and comforting. In this stillness, I feel seen and loved, reminded that I am never truly alone. Nature here sings to me, each leaf and branch a silent, comforting prayer, drawing me closer to the heart of God.
~ Johnson Emmanuel, C.P.
