Life Ascending International @SpiritLive(TM)







Day of Spirituality

 

Each year we arrange a day of Prayer with an appropriate theme for us.  This is an opportunity for each of us to come apart from the normal routine of our lives and spend a day in quiet and reflection. In the past we have visited Hartzer Park in Bowral, the Retreat Centre at St. Marys, the Christian Brothers Centre in Mulgoa and Baulkham Hills Retreat Centre.  In past years we have days reflecting on 'The Spirituality of Ageing' and 'Praying with Icons'.

The group above was taken on the steps of Santa Sabina Hall at our 5th anniversary.  Since then the members of Life Ascending in Australia have grown considerably.
Galong Retreat 2009

Once again we journeyed to St. Clement's Retreat Centre in Galong.  Galong is in the centre of a rich wheat growing area which has been experiencing severe drought conditions for several years.  Each time we visit we hope that this year we will see green fields and rich pastures.  Alas, not this year. This year Fr Pat Corbet and Sr. Helen conducted our Retreat and Sr. Helen introduced us to using art as an expression of our spirituality.  Rather a challenge to many of us but lots of fun.  With the recent renovations to St. Clement's everyone found it extremely comfortable.  There is now a lift to the new ensuite bedrooms which overlook the property and the conference rooms are also fitted with an audio loop for those who have a hearing impairment.  So whether one was able bodied, physically challenged (!) or maybe a bit hard-of hearing, everyone could participate. 
Praying in the Labrynth

The labrynth is a circle of stones laid out in a similiar form to labrynths found in many major European cathedrals, e.g. Chartres in France.  While meditating the retreatant walks around the labrynth in silent prayer.  It is a wonderfully reflective prayer and most of the retreatants at Galong spend some time there during their days at the Monastery.   It is situated under the lovely oak trees, with gently sloping hills in the background and sheep grazing peacefully nearby.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE La Vie Montante 2006

Sister Patricial attended the Conference of Life Ascending International at Lourdes, France, from 25th to 29th October in 2006.  The Theme of the Conference was "The Elderly, a Symbol of Hope in the Modern World".  Bishop Daloz, the ecclesiastical assistant of the Movement, spoke of being a Christian in the modern world, stressing we are being invited ot live our faith, as seniors, and witnesses in the world.  Quoting the Pope's "Deus Caritas Est", the Bishop challenged those present to translate the Good News into words, into actions, into love.

 

The next International Conference will be held in Canada in 2010.  Further details will be published when they come to hand.
Life Ascending Committee

Groups

Beverly Hills       Sr. Pat Nichols             02 9554 3227
                          Mrs June Roebuck       02 9759 2698

                          Mrs Cheryl Wilkins       02 9502 1013

Revesby             Mrs Shirley Carroll       02 9773 3218
                          Mr. Phillip Gill              02 9773 6673

Lurnea                Gladys Meeney-Budd  02 9601 3003 

Wollongong        Simonette Bunder        02 4227 5632
 

Strathfield           Sr Margaret Gannon    02 9715 5695

Oatley                 Ray Byers                 02 9570 3507

Gymea                Kay Weston              02 9521 4728

Glenmore Park    Anne Hardy               02 4733 1828

Gympie Qld        Phyllis Haines

 Camberwell Vic  Betty Kenny             03 9809 2151

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