Mawusi, in Ewe, a language from Ghana and Togo, means “In the hand of God.”

The Mawusi retreat is a time of catechetical formation, spiritual formation, transformation, inspiration and relaxation. Come experience and celebrate the

richness of African-American spirituality and culture. Enrich your life with this rewarding experience. This retreat is open to DREs, CREs, Catechists, Pastoral Associates, Deacons, Youth Ministers, RCIA Teams, Religious Ed. Teachers, Musicians, all Lay Ministers, Religious and Priests.

Joseph A. Brown, S. J., Ph.D. a native of East St. Louis, Illinois, is a Catholic priest with an extensive academic and pastoral career.

Presently he is a Professor and the Director of the Black American Studies Program at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Active as a lecturer in the areas of African and African-American spirituality, and African-American History and Culture, he also periodically serves as a liturgical consultant to a variety of communities in the U. S.

His book of poetry, Accidental Grace, was published in the Callaloo Poetry Series in 1986. He has also published many articles on black theology and literature. His book on black spirituality, A Retreat with Thea Bowman and Bede Abram: Leaning on the Lord, was published by St. Anthony Messenger Press in January, 1997. He has also written To Stand on the Rock: Meditations on Black Catholic Identity, which was published by Orbis Books in February, 1998. A collection of prayer services in the Black tradition, Sweet, Sweet Spirit, – written with the assistance of Fr. Fernand Cheri, OFM – was published by St. Anthony Messenger Press in Fall 2006.