SPRING RETREAT FOR AMIGOS ANONYMOUS:
“Amigos Now and Then”
“Look to this day, for yesterday is already a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision; but today, well-lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day. Such is the Salutation of the Dawn.”
- from the Sanskrit
May 15-17, 2023: Eighteen Amigos gathered in Santa Cruz, at the beautiful Villa Maria Del Mar, with the notable absences of Mike and Lupe Miller and George Mills. Mike and George had passed away in the fall of 2022, joining the Communion of Amigos “Saints” who continue to watch over us. Lupe was out of town with family. All three were sorely missed.
The Amigos were keenly aware of the need to reflect on their past, present and future, as a social group and as a 501(c)3 foundation. This was done, over the three days and two nights, with both focused and free-wheeling discussions, opening with, “What challenges and blessings have you experienced over the last year?” Such sharing grounded the group.
Later, Kathleen and Donna led off a discussion of how we are carrying the Amigos spirit into our current lives by describing their work with St. Vincent de Paul. It is not directly connected to the Church, but offers a structure in which to answer the needs of others. Jack Ashby has completed his work over the last 5 years on a model development for the homeless in Hawaii; others work with groups such as Pax Christi, the Assistance League, a diocesan council, and Call to Action. Still others are working on reviving a neighborhood association and gathering community stories. Evelyn La Torre commented that Amigos was based on community development, recognizing that we need that feeling of connectedness.
The afternoon sought to define our vision of the future, as a foundation with responsibilities in Mexico and as a social group that we all would like to see continue. The scholarship program is covered by another article. The social aspect was furthered by agreeing to return next May, 2024, for a retreat; continuing a fall get together and board meeting, and meeting for lunch every 4-6 weeks. Where and when? Watch your email.
This 60th Anniversary retreat ended with a memorial reading of the names of Amigos who had passed. Evelyn struck a chime as the list passed from reader to reader, comments were made by anyone who had known the deceased. Gayle brought packets from George Mills’ Celebration of Life for anyone who had missed the ceremony on that stormy, December 29, 2022. Evelyn brought a scrapbook album of her year with Amigos, and others brought photos and memorabilia of 1963-1968. Sixty years, and we’re still here!
The Amigos were keenly aware of the need to reflect on their past, present and future, as a social group and as a 501(c)3 foundation. This was done, over the three days and two nights, with both focused and free-wheeling discussions, opening with, “What challenges and blessings have you experienced over the last year?” Such sharing grounded the group.
Later, Kathleen and Donna led off a discussion of how we are carrying the Amigos spirit into our current lives by describing their work with St. Vincent de Paul. It is not directly connected to the Church, but offers a structure in which to answer the needs of others. Jack Ashby has completed his work over the last 5 years on a model development for the homeless in Hawaii; others work with groups such as Pax Christi, the Assistance League, a diocesan council, and Call to Action. Still others are working on reviving a neighborhood association and gathering community stories. Evelyn La Torre commented that Amigos was based on community development, recognizing that we need that feeling of connectedness.
The afternoon sought to define our vision of the future, as a foundation with responsibilities in Mexico and as a social group that we all would like to see continue. The scholarship program is covered by another article. The social aspect was furthered by agreeing to return next May, 2024, for a retreat; continuing a fall get together and board meeting, and meeting for lunch every 4-6 weeks. Where and when? Watch your email.
This 60th Anniversary retreat ended with a memorial reading of the names of Amigos who had passed. Evelyn struck a chime as the list passed from reader to reader, comments were made by anyone who had known the deceased. Gayle brought packets from George Mills’ Celebration of Life for anyone who had missed the ceremony on that stormy, December 29, 2022. Evelyn brought a scrapbook album of her year with Amigos, and others brought photos and memorabilia of 1963-1968. Sixty years, and we’re still here!