ALTON — The Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George held a Veni Si Amas discernment retreat at their provincial house Oct. 18-20.

Nineteen young women from around the United States and Canada visited the convent for the retreat weekend, which included time to pray the Liturgy of the Hours with the sisters, a conference on discernment, time to listen to vocation stories and ask questions, a personal prayer time and recreation with the sisters.

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki celebrated a Mass for Vocations for the young women on retreat, had lunch with them and gave them the opportunity to ask questions.

Veni Si Amas means "Come, if you love" and is the invitation inscribed on the monstrance in the Adoration Chapel at the sisters' convent, as well as the words written on the outside of that chapel. It is Christ's invitation for all to come to him to love him and receive his love, according to the sisters. During discernment retreats, the words serve as an invitation to young women to open their hearts to the Lord in prayer and to come to know what the Lord is asking of them.

During the retreat the young women were encouraged in their journey of discernment and prayed for the grace to be open and willing to respond generously if they hear God calling them to religious life.

More information about the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George can be found at their website: www.altonfranciscans.org.