Gray Robes

Gray Robes Magazine

Blessings from Detroit!

I am writing from a mini-retreat with the brothers. They have gone out to spend the afternoon together. Their contagious joy and desire for the good are always striking to me; they are “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52).

Lent and the second semester are in full swing and there are many things to be done. The brothers attended the SEEK Conference in January and heroically worked to share the charism of the community. They now prepare for Easter and for final exams. There is an excitement in the air as they begin to guess at what their summer assignments might be. And one of them, Br. Greg, with your support and God’s grace, hopes to definitively and freely give his life to God through the evangelical counsels (poverty, celibate chastity, obedience) in our community this summer. In July we plan to celebrate his perpetual promises in the Clerical Branch of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity.

As usual, the Lenten season carries an accelerated rhythm of life but a religious community “should live constantly in the sight of its Lord and ought to be continually aware of his presence” (Fraternal life in Community, 17). The penitential practices and the purifications should always put us in the presence of God; He is the singular desire of our hearts, freeing us when we cling to him and glorifying us when we call on him (cf. Ps. 91). These men are aware of the Lord’s presence in their lives and continue to be formed by Him.

Their goodness renews me. They take their studies seriously and want to share what they learn. They ask me about my life and teach me to be a better priest. They anticipate each other’s needs and are so generous in helping in the seminary, in the SOLT Community, and in being a stabilizing faith presence in Southwest Detroit. They are still in temporary promises, but the gift of their hearts and their lives to God and his people inspire me. Though they are poor materially, they have been enriched by God (cf. Romans 10:12).

Thank you for helping me to accompany the SOLT Brothers. We are so grateful for your prayers and generosity. May God bless you abundantly!

In Christ,

Fr. Jeremy Davis, SOLT
Juniorate Servant