The mountains have to wait: For now, Sandi Patel sings God’s praises from a hill
In her new role as the director of the archdiocese’s Office of Retreat and Renewal Ministry, Sandi Patel oversees Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House in Indianapolis, where she draws faith and strength from the Blessed Mother. (Photo by John Shaughnessy)
By John Shaughnessy
Sandi Patel’s bucket list includes “to sing in the mountains like Julie Andrews.” Yet right now, she’s more than overjoyed to have recently started a special journey on the hilltop of Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House in Indianapolis.
That’s where she now serves as the director of the archdiocese’s Office of Retreat and Renewal Ministry.
“Every day, as I pull in the driveway, Our Lady greets me, and I have this ‘pinch me’ moment,” Patel says. “Am I really here!? Do I really get to do this?! It’s just a beautiful grace in my life.”
As for the grace she hopes to bring to Fatima—and the plan of a more extensive outreach across the archdiocese—Patel shares an anecdote that gives a glimpse of the heart of her approach.
“I have a brown stool I saved from my parents’ home after they had both passed away,” she says.
“It’s an ugly stool in that it is old and well used. Growing up in a family of eight meant that our house was always full, but my mom always said there was room for one more. That stool was used at our dinner table many times. That’s the art of hospitality. It’s being creative and welcoming, sometimes in the heat of the moment, to find room for one more. That’s the art of Fatima and the beautiful staff.”
That’s just one of the insights that Patel, a mother of one child, shared recently with The Criterion.
A former teacher and principal at several schools in the archdiocese—as well as a former grant project coordinator in the Diocese of Lafayette—Patel also talked about her vision for Fatima and the archdiocese, the defining experience she had with her husband at the retreat center, and the frightening health crisis that touched her faith.
Here is an edited version of that exchange.
Q. Talk about your hopes for expanding the reach of Fatima.
A. “Archbishop [Charles C.] Thompson established the Office of Retreat and Renewal Ministry, which includes Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House, with the goal of creating opportunities to grow closer to our Savior on the way to becoming missionary disciples.
“We hope to extend the reach of Fatima with an ‘on the road’ focus that responds to the needs we discover. My vision for this office is to help bring people to Fatima, but also bring Fatima to people wherever they are in the archdiocese. We have our beautiful retreat house, but we aren’t limited by our walls. We all need a chance to retreat with our Lord and hear him speaking to us.”
Q. Talk about your plans for moving forward to that vision, especially in terms of helping people have a deeper relationship with Christ.
A. “People retreat very differently in 2025 compared to 1950 when Fatima first opened its doors on Raymond Street. The number of people making retreats today is down significantly. We can point to so many reasons for that decline, but rather than focus there, I want to embrace the challenge of meeting people where they are and discover how their age, ethnic background, catechesis and other demographics or factors shape who they are.
“So, I’m asking questions. What do people need to have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ? How do we shape retreats and other experiences to meet those needs? How do we encourage and foster the desire to slow down and listen for the voice of God? Where do those experiences happen? Are they at Fatima, somewhere in the deanery, or at the parish? What spaces exist in our archdiocese for retreats and renewal experiences? What resources are needed to create retreat models that can be replicated anywhere? How do we get people to attend?
“I want to connect with people to gather ideas around retreat and renewal because that will help me form a clear vision about what we need to do.
“Fatima began with a small group of people with a heart and soul for retreat ministry, so those conversations reflect the humble beginning that caught fire and stands the test of time. I am hopeful that we fan the embers already there.”
Q. What do you see as the strengths of Fatima as a retreat center for the archdiocese?
A. “It is a very beautiful place of faith to rest with God, as our mission statement says. Whether a high school retreat, TOBIT weekend, morning of reflection, or day of silence, we offer something for everyone. While we aren’t a huge facility, we can host many types of retreats. The beautiful buildings and grounds provide each person with a space to quiet their hearts and truly retreat to the heart of Jesus.
“And there are many, many people who are dedicated to Fatima who want to see it flourish for years to come. They are the source of our ongoing success and will continue to be the source for our future success.”
Q. Are there any personal experiences you’ve had as a visitor to Fatima in the past that stand out to you?
A. “My very first experience is what stands out to me the most. My husband and I attended an evening of reflection for couples. We started the evening with a lovely dinner and then listened to a priest talk about the vocation of marriage. He focused on the importance of nurturing the sacrament so that we could continue to grow closer to our Lord and each other.
“I can still see us sitting next to the fireplace at the end of the evening, reading our assignment aloud: a list of
25 things we valued in the other. So powerful and sacred—the very reason for the retreat! It is proof that in the quiet moments, when you silence the rest of the world, God speaks to us. It was an important moment of realization that the sacrament of marriage needed our continual prayer and attention to stay strong.”
Q. As you have continued to settle into your role, talk about what has stood out to you so far about leading Fatima.
A. “I’ve already mentioned the drive up to the house every day. That sense of peace is only surpassed by the gift of the amazing staff. What wonderful people.
“They are kind, dedicated, and answering God’s call in their lives, just as I am. They are teaching and guiding me as I get my feet underneath me, but they are also open to the growth and change we will find together. In addition to the wonderful staff are the many dedicated volunteers. Their gift of time truly makes the difference between good service and excellent service. We couldn’t do it without them.”
Q. In many ways, Fatima is an oasis of faith in the archdiocese. As you walk around the grounds and consider the various ways people can tap into their faith, talk about what strikes you about the beauty of the place and what it offers in terms of meditation, relaxation, contemplation.
A. “An ‘oasis of faith’—I love that! I am always drawn to nature, especially a hiking trail. So, it is such a gift to walk right out of my office and onto a trail— God’s magnificent cathedral! As I walk in the woods, I am struck by the peace and serenity of the grounds, even though we are located on a busy street. You can still hear the hum of the cars going by, but it doesn’t interfere.
“When I set out one morning to explore, I found so many places to rest in Fatima’s embrace. Whether it is the slow pace of walking the trails to observe or reflect, making the journey of the Stations of the Cross, focusing on the labyrinth, or sitting before the Holy Family Shrine, one can find a place to encounter our Lord. I imagine that those outdoor experiences change with the seasons, too.
“Of course, there are the inside spaces, including the chapel, to find the same peace and serenity. Whatever your soul needs, you’ll find it here. Jesus said, ‘Come rest in me’ [Mt 11:28]. And you can do that here at Fatima.”
Q. Talk about your own journey toward a relationship with Christ, and how that may guide you as the director of Fatima.
A. “My relationship with Christ began by watching my parents raise six children in the Catholic faith.
Their choices and sacrifices were a living witness of trust in God. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a steadfast, non-negotiable presence in the messiness of family life.
“I think we all experience that ebb and flow of life when we cling to Jesus with all our might, and then we take his love for granted. It’s important that we hold onto our faith when we want to praise him, when we need to request his help, and in the mundane of everyday life. That’s what I work hard to do—to stay in touch with Jesus every day. Spending time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament is one of my favorite ways to slow my pace, quiet my soul and allow the Lord to speak to me. I trust in Jesus.”
Q. Any particularly meaningful moments in your journey of faith?
A. “One that always jumps to the top of my mind is the day I received my first Eucharist. I was all dressed up and excited to get to church, but my mom sat me down to capture the importance of the sacrament. She pointed out my excitement and said, ‘The excitement you feel right now should be the same excitement you feel every time you approach Jesus’ table.’ Wise advice that shaped my faith journey. I can’t help but smile as I approach the Lord’s table and recall the joy and excitement of that first time.
“Another deeply personal moment came at a low point in my life when I am certain God answered the prayer I had uttered in that distress. The answer to that prayer was meeting my husband of now 35 years, Todd. The day we vowed to love, honor, and cherish one another in the sacrament of marriage was truly one of the happiest days of my life.
“Three years ago, I had a health crisis that was beyond frightening. My pastor, Msgr. Bill Stumpf [of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in Indianapolis], offered the beautiful anointing of the sick after I asked him for prayer in my fear. Standing before him, with my husband at my side while he prayed over me, was nothing less than a miracle for my worry.
“Praise God it is behind me now, but the power of that anointing will never leave me. Never.” †
Related: Fatima Retreat House to celebrate 75 years
