This is the view from the cozy motel-style housing at the Redemptorist Retreat Center about twenty minutes from downtown Tucson, Arizona but it might as well be several hours! The quiet grace of the desert is instantly felt. The subtle colors of spring in this dry landscape emerge as one learns to see with soft eyes.
I had planned a longer stay but was only able to rest here for a weekend. The Redemptorists have a large presence in my hometown, St. Louis. The order is devoted to preaching but my stay was dedicated to blessed silence.
The order was founded by St. Alphonsus Liguori in Scala, Italy in 1732.
This photo was taken by Laura T., another lovely Italian import!