Silent retreat Oct. 11-13 to draw on two popular literary works
Southern Nebraska Register
Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House in Waverly invites participants to a transformative three-day silent retreat, “Recognizing the Devil’s Tactics,” led by Father Jeremy Hazuka.
The retreat, to be held Oct. 11-13, will delve into the cunning nature of temptation, drawing on insights from C.S. Lewis’s book, “The Screwtape Letters” and the “Spiritual Exercises” of Saint Ignatius. Retreatants are encouraged to bring a copy of “The Screwtape Letters” with them to the retreat.
“On this retreat,” Father Hazuka explained, “I want to offer some tools and resources – knowledge that I wish I had 20 years ago – including what I believe are two of the most insightful books for becoming aware of and understanding the ordinary activity of ‘the enemy of our human nature’ – the devil – and how we can respond to his lies: C.S. Lewis’ ‘The Screwtape Letters’ and Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s ‘Spiritual Exercises.’”
“The Screwtape Letters” was released in 1942. In the book, Lewis – an Anglican inspired by many Catholic sources – incorporates spiritual insights through correspondence between the Devil, who goes by the name of “Screwtape,” and his demon nephew named “Wormwood.” The letters discuss tactics to lure the “Patient” – man – away from the “Enemy” – God.
Father Hazuka said what Lewis’ fictional demon “Screwtape” describes as “The Law of Undulation” – a series of ups and downs that every person experiences – Saint Ignatius already defined 400 years earlier, as spiritual consolation and desolation in his “Rules for the Discernment of Spirits.”
“Saint Ignatius’ rules have helped countless people, many great saints, to be aware and to understand how the devil uses desolation to tempt and discourage,” he said. “His rules also offer a response to the tactics of the enemy.”
Father Hazuka further explained that unlike a typical preached retreat, participants in the Oct. 11-13 retreat will spend several sessions reading and informally discussing chapters from “The Screwtape Letters” through the lens of Saint Ignatius’ “Rule for the Discernment of Spirits.”
“This will offer examples of how to put into practice these helpful rules,” he said. “However, there should be plenty of silent time to consider prayerfully how we can apply these rules to the ups and downs of our own lives, and to take action against the enemy’s attempts to deceive us.” 
Father Jeremy Hazuka is pastor of St. Michael Parish in Hastings. He was ordained a priest in 1997 and has master’s degrees in theology and educational administration. Before arriving to Hastings, Father Hazuka taught and administrated in schools throughout the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, along with serving as a parish priest.
The Oct. 11-13 retreat is open to men and women. It begins Friday at 8 p.m., with a rosary followed by Mass, to provide a serene start to a weekend dedicated to reflection and spiritual growth. Participants will engage in discussions and practices centered on the rules for discernment and the Examen Prayer, essential tools for understanding and navigating life’s spiritual challenges.
The retreat will conclude Sunday at noon with Mass and lunch.
Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House includes 50 individual guest rooms, each featuring a private bath, writing desk, and recliner, for personal prayer and study.
Other upcoming retreats at Good Counsel Retreat House include: “Holiness for Moms of Young People” Oct. 5 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; “Faith of Our Fathers” for men Oct. 6 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; “My Lord, My God, My All” with Bishop Robert Finn Oct. 25-27; and “Healing of Memories” retreat led by Ian Butler Nov. 1-3.
For more information or to register for a retreat, contact Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House at 402-786-2705 or visit goodcounselretreat.org.
