PRAYER & DISCERNMENT
SISTER Nathalie Becquart, Xav. at the helm. A skipper stays on course by paying attention to the boat, wind, and water. In vocation discernment, it is important to pay attention to the currents in one’s inner life.
Navigating the right course by Sister Nathalie Becquart, Xav. Translated from French by Robert Bull
The sea, with its changing conditions of turbulence and calm, is a parable of life that can teach us how to steer a path to joy. Sister Nathalie Becquart, Xav. is a skipper and spiritual companion. She is director of the National Service for Youth Evangelization and Vocations at the Bishops’ Conference of France.
A
S A YOUNG GIRL I had the opportunity to spend my holidays by the sea, where I learned to sail. Eventually I became a skipper, and I participated in many regattas, discovering the best way to set my sails and choose the right strategy for the winds and currents. Then I entered religious life, thinking I’d never sail again. But I was fortunate to return to sailing as a mission within religious life when I began organizing retreat cruises for young adults based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius that join learning to sail and life as a crew member with learning to pray, thoughtful reflection, and discernment. These “Life at Sea” cruises (VieEnMer.org) sail around France in the Atlantic and Mediterranean from February to April for one to two weeks. Each boat is crewed by six teammates and led by a skipper and spiritual guide. During the trip, there is prayer alone and as a group, sharing time, Masses, meditation on scripture, and spiritual direction. The adventure helps participants take stock of their lives. The sea invites them to reflect on their faith. The change of environment and loss of landmarks
22 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org
