A retreat on the "Sun - the source of our life" was held from May 1 to 3, 2026, at the Sankt Benedikt Center at our priory in Schuyler, Nebraska. For us humans and all life on earth the Sun is the source of energy par excellence. Besides the scientific astronomical background, we will also looked at the sun’s importance in the Christian tradition.

 Drawing on several presentations by Susanne Hüttemeister and Daniel Fischer on the subject of astronomy, as well as his own presentations on the sun as a symbol in the Christian faith, Fr. Christoph led the participants through the retreat.

After a brief round of introductions, Father Christoph introduced the topic using images. The focus was on the sun as a source of energy.
A brief digression was made regarding sunspots: the Jesuit Christoph Scheiner had already been systematically studying sunspots as early as 1611. Why do Christians engage in scientific work? Why is there an observatory in a monastery? To gather knowledge about creation—and thus about the Creator God—and to enrich one’s own faith. At least we made a brief observation on Venus and Jupiter before clouds are came and recommended going inside.

The following morning, the astronomy of the Sun was the focus of three topics:
- Our Star, the Sun: A Biography
- Observation of the Sun: visible and hydrogen light (Telescope hidden on the right side)
- The Sun in the Bible

After lunch, we took a closer look at the Sun: its surface, with its sunspots and 11-year cycle, the magnetic fields in the Sun. Most important for us: The effects of flares, CMEs, can reach Earth and affect it: “storms” in the solarwind and in the Earth’s magnetic field caused by radiation, particles, and magnetic disturbances. A spaceweather forecasts for near-Earth  space would be desirable!

After a coffee break we look to the role of the Sun in christian liturgy. The orientation to the east is the orientation towards the risen Christ. In many hymns and songs, Christ is praised as the sun of our salvation or as the morning sun. And importantly: the monstrance used in adoration is often shaped like the sun and holds Christ in the Eucharist at its center (in a so called "lunula", formed as a small crescent moon).

We had a time of silence and adoration. Many of the particapants enjoyed this time for themselves.

In the evening we observed Venus, Jupiter, Stars (during dawn) and later Starclusters and Galaxies. Light from stars, at least million of years old!

After a mass with our community in the chappel we had questions of the participants and answers about the Sun in science, faith andtheology. The final part of the retreat involved filling out the evaluation form and, above all, reflecting on my own insights regarding my faith. An enthusiastic wrap-up session before lunch brought the weekend to a close.