Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House in Waverly is hosting a silent retreat titled “Recognizing the Devil’s Tactics” from October 11 to 13. Led by Father Jeremy Hazuka, the event aims to explore the nature of temptation using insights from C.S. Lewis's “The Screwtape Letters” and Saint Ignatius's “Spiritual Exercises.” Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of “The Screwtape Letters.”

Father Hazuka shared his intent for the retreat: "I want to offer some tools and resources – knowledge that I wish I had 20 years ago – including what I believe are two of the most insightful books for becoming aware of and understanding the ordinary activity of ‘the enemy of our human nature’ – the devil – and how we can respond to his lies: C.S. Lewis’ ‘The Screwtape Letters’ and Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s ‘Spiritual Exercises.’”

“The Screwtape Letters,” released in 1942, presents spiritual insights through letters between a devil named "Screwtape" and his nephew "Wormwood," discussing tactics to lead humans away from God.

Father Hazuka noted that what Lewis calls “The Law of Undulation,” described by Screwtape as life’s ups and downs, was already identified by Saint Ignatius 400 years earlier as spiritual consolation and desolation in his "Rules for the Discernment of Spirits." He said, “Saint Ignatius’ rules have helped countless people, many great saints, to be aware and to understand how the devil uses desolation to tempt and discourage."

Participants will read chapters from “The Screwtape Letters” alongside discussions on Saint Ignatius’s discernment rules. The format allows time for reflection on applying these principles against life's challenges.

“This will offer examples of how to put into practice these helpful rules,” Father Hazuka explained. The retreat offers silent time for personal reflection on combating deception.

Father Jeremy Hazuka serves as pastor at St. Michael Parish in Hastings. Ordained in 1997, he holds master’s degrees in theology and educational administration.

Open to both men and women, the retreat starts Friday evening with a rosary followed by Mass. It concludes Sunday with Mass at noon followed by lunch.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House provides facilities including individual guest rooms designed for prayer and study.

Upcoming retreats include sessions such as “Holiness for Moms of Young People” on October 5; “Faith of Our Fathers” on October 6; Bishop Robert Finn's session titled “My Lord, My God, My All” from October 25-27; and Ian Butler's "Healing of Memories" retreat from November 1-3.

For more details or registration information, contact Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House at 402-786-2705 or visit goodcounselretreat.org.