Fr. Nicholas Amato Gave Mepkin’s Annual Retreat March 1 – 6, 2015
Fr. Nicholas was this year’s retreat master at Mepkin. A priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Father Nicholas has served in a number of pastoral roles in his diocese as well as Superintendent of Education. He is currently on staff at Saint Luke’s Institute in Silver Spring, Maryland and provides assistance with programs at the Shalem Institute in Washington. D.C.
Mepkin has enjoyed a long relationship with Father Nick which flowed from his participation in our Monastic Guest Program. He returns frequently to renew himself by joining with us in our prayer and life. As a principle partner in the development of our Priest Wellness Program, we are most appreciative for all he contributed to this effort on the part of the broader church. More recently he has been working closely with Father Guerric (our guestmaster) and has been offering retreats for those seeking to follow the contemplative way.
Entitling the retreat “Reclaiming Our Joy”, Father Nicholas guided us through reflections grounded in the work of a respected author who helps those with addictions re-pattern their thinking and behavior. His knowledge of the writings of Father Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O. on centering prayer figured significantly in the retreat.