By Fr. Christopher Kubat
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center in Lincoln had a retreat Aug. 1, conducted by Father Ben Holdren, pastor of St. Peter and St. Joseph parishes in Bellwood. It was the first official day for our two new interns, Alexandra Marcotte and Jeff Vance. We are unique in that we incorporate the Catholic faith in our counseling. Since it was their first official day on the job, we thought we would start off on the right foot with a retreat.
The retreat was held at the beautiful St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center. The day included two conferences given by Father Holdren, confessions, Mass, and quiet time for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. 
At 9 a.m., after coffee, fruit and breakfast biscuits, I opened the day with prayer and welcomed everyone, while giving some opening remarks explaining why the incorporation of our faith in therapy is vital. After my initial remarks I introduced Father Holdren and heard his first conference.
He began by telling us about his recent mission trip with FOCUS missionaries to Port-au-Prince, Haiti with the Missionaries of Charity last January. Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas and because of extensive corruption, most of the people live in utter poverty. It was hard for him to describe the miles and miles of dirt-floored shacks viewed from the plane window while landing, constructed with whatever people could find. Since there is no regular and reliable fresh water supply, many suffer from life-threatening diseases. Once at the convent and center run by the order of sisters founded by St. Mother Teresa, they were given strict instructions to stay within the confines of the compound because of crime in the area. The walls of their place are 12 feet tall, capped with razor wire. During prayer, some of the people throw rocks into the chapel because they want something to eat.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (Jn 1:5). Jesus Himself said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12). Father Holdren said that wherever the darkness is most profound in the world, you will find the Missionaries of Charity, bringing Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. This is because wherever one finds the darkness of sin, Jesus Christ is the answer… He is always the answer… He is the only answer.
I would like to thank Father Holdren for giving our clinical staff a beautiful retreat, Father Matya for allowing us to use the beautiful Newman Center, and our wonderful clinical staff who, by incorporating the faith into counseling, help bring light into the souls of many who have been wounded by darkness. Jesus, Who is the light of the world, have mercy on us, Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us, St. Mother Teresa, pray for us!
