Mayslake Ministries of Lombard sends veterans on retreat
As veterans organizations and communities across the country mark Veterans Day on Friday, a Catholic organization in Lombard will be sending a small group of veterans on a retreat to help heal their spiritual side after war.
About 15 veterans from across the suburbs are expected to join a two-night retreat from Friday to Sunday at Cardinal Stritch Retreat House in Mundelein sponsored by Mayslake Ministries in Lombard.
The nonprofit Catholic organization is footing the roughly $200 bill to send each veteran on the retreat for free, said Susan Francesconi, director of development and marketing.
“We all know about post-traumatic stress syndrome, but there is actually a spiritual aspect,” Francesconi said. “Veterans will return and (they’ll wonder) where’s God in all this?”
Retreat attendees will pray and work to come to spiritual healing with God during the event, led by Sister Linda McClenahan, a Vietnam War veteran nicknamed “Sister Sarge.”
“She is a full-time counselor for veterans,” Francesconi said about McClenahan. “This is what she does.”
Mayslake Ministries seeks donations of $200 from anyone wanting to honor a veteran by supporting a retreat attendee. Anyone interested in donating should call (630) 268-9000.
Elsewhere in Lombard, the village, Lombard American Legion Post 391 and VFW Post 5815 will host a Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday at the plaza at the southwest corner of Main Street and St. Charles Road.
Lombard Village President Bill Mueller will begin the ceremony and Lombard Fire Department Chaplain Thomas Harding of Montini Catholic High School in Lombard will give an invocation.
American Legion and VFW leaders will remember members of their organizations who died within the past year at the event, designed to thank veterans for their courage and commitment to freedom.
Although it’s sometimes difficult to get members to come out for the event, some veterans make a point of attending every year, said Anthony Maroney, commander of Lombard American Legion Post 391.
“It’s very enjoyable,” Maroney said. “I really appreciate it — doing something for Veterans Day.”