Near Somo beach, in Santander, lies the small village of Suesa. There, amidst cows, the idyllic landscapes typical of the north and the persistent rain, stands an oasis which, simply by walking through its garden, evokes a sense of peace and serenity: a monastery inhabited by Trinitarian nuns.
The Sisters open the doors of their guesthouse to those seeking a time of self-awareness, of slowness, of contemplation and of presence. They themselves point out that this is not a tourist accommodation, but a house that welcomes seekers of inner peace, guided and drawn by the Spirit.
This place, which at first may be overwhelming due to the immensity it conveys and the long hours of silence – and which the author of this account does not recommend visiting without a certain inner disposition – invites one to look within. It is, in short, an opportunity not only to pause and observe life, but also to guide and propel it forward. A space that facilitates encounter; that offers a silence leading to listening; and that fosters solitude as a prelude to communion with fellow pilgrims.
This year, the Spirit has brought together several members of the Sa-Fa Family to accompany the Lord during the Easter Triduum, celebrating the great feast of the Resurrection that brings new life. Under the motto ‘With joy…’, the Sisters have placed themselves at the service of some twenty young people who, called to this experience, have stayed there and shared days of prayer and celebration. Some arrived with the desire to bring order to their lives; others sought to rekindle their bond with God; and others simply needed to slow down from the frenetic pace of big cities to simply be, to exist.
The contemplative experience offered by the nuns of Suesa, combined with the celebrations, songs, prayers and shared moments, fostered a true encounter with the Risen One, setting the hearts of those gathered around Him ablaze. And so, as if time had stretched out, the gathering came to an end. Each person set off to return to their daily life, to their reality, to their Galilee; for it is there that the Risen Lord awaits them.
