Posted by Nestled along the captivating Irish coast in Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo, Ireland, the Star of the Sea Retreat and Conference Centre exudes an aura of tranquility. Personally, the name Stella Maris, which translates to “Star of the Sea” in Latin, holds a special place in my heart. It harks back to my days at the Stella Maris postulancy in Malang, Indonesia, nestled amidst lush paddy fields and a gentle river. However, here in this coastal haven, it feels perfectly suited,with the mystical Benbulben mountain adding to the picturesque landscape.
For several days (2nd-7th October), approximately 18 members of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) from the IBP province congregated at this retreat centre to engage in deep reflection and open ourselves to the profound love of God. We were presented with daily wisdom and insights, more extended periods of prayer and contemplation, community morning prayers, Mass, and adoration. We also had ample time to relax and relish delectable meals while soaking in the beauty of our surroundings, including daily walks along the scenic seaside. Guided by Peter Dusicka, our European Spiritual Coordinator, we embarked on a spiritually enriching journey.
This region carries historical weight, as Classiebawn was a cherished holiday destination for Admiral of the Fleet Louis Mountbatten. Nevertheless, it was here, off the Mullaghmore coast in August 1979, that tragedy struck. Mountbatten, his grandson Nicholas Knatchbull, Doreen Knatchbull, and teenager Paul Maxwell lost their lives in a bomb blast planted by the Provisional IRA. Just hours later, 17 young British soldiers met their fate in Narrow Water, near Warrenpoint, County Down. Perhaps it was in the wake of these events that both British and Irish people began to grasp the profound value of peace and life. As one of our retreat masters once remarked, “If only we have the gift of tears.”
Pope Francis reminds us of the significance of tears in our spiritual journey, stating, “It is a coming-to-awareness of the profundity of that love that floods one’s emotions and leaves a person able only to express that sense of flood through tears.” As we prayed, contemplated, and found solace in this beautiful retreat centre, we yearned to return to our lives with renewed vigour and spirits, our eyes often glistening with tears of joy.
In the embrace of Stella Maris by the Irish sea, we discovered a sanctuary for our souls—a place where tears symbolised not just sorrow but also profound love and an unbreakable connection with the Divine.
Fr Nico Lobo Ratu SVD
SVD IBP 