The speed at which life sometimes comes at us may be partially responsible for the way in which we often neglect to feed our spiritual lives.

Those of us who are guilty of this may do well to follow the examples of the three Oblates of the Abbey of Mount St Benedict, who recently took some time off from their secular activities to make a much needed spiritual connection with Oblates of the St Benedict’s monastery at Mora Camp in Guyana. Sgt Sheila Prince, Agnes Clarke and Miriam “Rose” Ramkissoon left Trinidad for Guyana on June 20, where they spent ten glorious days on retreat.

The three were given a warm welcome at the airport by Brother Matthias Farrier, who later escorted them to Georgetown, via the scenic Demerara Highway.

Among the sight-seeing experiences to which they were exposed, were the cricket stadium, constructed for the recently concluded 2007 Cricket World Cup, and a drive over the Demerara Harbour Bridge – the longest floating bridge in the world.

Trinidadian and Guyanese Oblates pose with monks of the Guyanese Benedictine community, Bro Matthias and Fr Hildebrand (back row) and Br Paschal (front, left) at Camp Mora.

Oblates from Trinidad. From left, Sgt Sheila Prince, Agnes Clarke and Rose Ramkissoon in front of the monastery in Guyana

To get to the monastery at Mora Camp, the local Oblates had to undergo a terrifying one-hour speedboat ride across Guyana’s longest river, the Essequibo River.

When the boat docked at the Cool Breeze Bar in Bartica, the Oblates then travelled for three additional miles before arriving at the serene monastery on the bank of the Mazaruni River.

Sgt Prince, Clarke and Ramkissoon joined spiritual forces with Guyanese Oblates Francis Quamina Farrier, Carla Elna King, Esme Patricia “Patty” King, Preston “Maxie” King, Br Paschal Jordan and Fr Hilderbrand Green.

The sweet incense of prayer was offered up to God six times every day. The singing of the Psalms and receiving Holy Communion at Mass was the highlight of their daily ritual.

This time of reflection and repentance made such an impact on their lives, that even their frequent baths at the Marazuni River felt like a baptism every time.

In addition to their deep spiritual fellowship, the group engaged in cultural exchanges. One of the most memorable experiences of the local Oblates was their trek into the Kalacoon Forest to visit the Amerindians who reside there.

Sgt Prince, Clarke and Ramkissoon were welcomed into the village and sat in the huts while conversing with the natives. They were even given a lesson in making cassava bread and pepper pot.

The trio marvelled at the peaceful simplicity of the lives of the Amerindians, and the fact that they live full and enjoyable lives even without modern amenities.

The oblates also dined with Bishop Francis Alleyne, and visited the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Georgetown, the hospital in Bartica, the St Anthony’s Church and the zoo. Sgt Prince also took the opportunity to pay a visit to officers at the Bartica Police Station to discuss issues of mutual concerns.

The three returned home on June 29, spiritually refreshed and ready to deal with whatever life throws at them.