Meditatio Newsletter July 2019 www.wccm.org 1
www.wccm.org Registered Charity No. 327173 - I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D I T I O N , Vol 43 No 2; July 2019 Feast of Peace and Unity New Podcast Blessing of Phase 1 of renovation of Bonnevaux was Contemplative an illustration of the vision of life at the WCCM new home Revolution
There is a new way for you to listen to talks, interviews and dialogue from the WCCM collection. It is called Contemplative Revolution, a weekly podcast. You can download and listen to the programs using different audio apps. Visit and subscribe to this podcast here: http://podcast.wccm.org
Mgr Pascal Wintzer blessing Bonnevaux (top) and the music concert with the choir
9 News 10 News 12 Resources
Laurence Freeman Updates on WCCM New pocket books and The visits Korea for the developments in the Caribbean Roots of Christian Mysticism
This issue This first time and South Africa online course
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A letter from Laurence Freeman, OSB
If you look at one of the photos told us that mistakes, failure and ac- To help understand the need for of the beautiful blessing of Bon- cidents are all eventually part of the a universal understanding of con- nevaux last month you will see the single great blessing that is life. templation, we have launched a new large group of community, friends Shortly before the blessing of the WCCM podcast – called “Contempla- and neighbours packed into the long first phase of our renovation of Bon- tive Revolution”. We have called it this cloister. They were listening to one nevaux, the Guiding Board had de- because contemplative Christianity is of our principal speakers of the day cided on ‘Contemplative Christianity’ unachievable unless it is held in the speaking about the vision of this new as the WCCM theme for the coming gentle grip of the continuous revolu- centre of peace that is to become no year. We felt that this to be an impor- tion of the gospel’s wisdom and val- less a centre for peace. Those in the tant reminder, not just for the Church ues. The podcast offers regularly up- front row are looking up at a single but for the world. Christianity fulfils dated teachings from the many gifted point immediately above the speak- er’s head. Not in inspiration, though, as much as in fear. The speaker had been placed immediately under a nest of swallows in the vaulted ceiling where some newly fledged arrivals were being cared for by their parents. They were showing activity during the talk and those of us in the front began to fear that the birds above the speaker might decide to drop down a message or two of their own. They did not. And so this part of the benediction of Bonnevaux passed smoothly to the next. But if the em- barrassing event had happened what would have been lost? Would it have spoiled everything or just shown us its mission in a world of many faiths teachers with whom our community that the best prepared plans remain to unite people in the universal truth. is blessed. I urge you to sign up for it vulnerable to the unexpected? It Part of this truth is that love, peace, because it will help stimulate and en- helped us in that moment, however, joy and forgiveness are not just rich the hope and vision in you that to remember what blessing means. dreams or occasional lucky moments we need to share with the world. Blessing does not come down from in life. They are essential elements Revolutions come and go. They above as much as it is transmitted of human nature that Christ taught seek the highest goals of human per- from one to another by our genuine by word and example. It means that, fection and then begin to splutter, presence to each other and our col- however peaceless and divided we lose height and crash. Most political lective faith in the project. We are may be, individually or collectively, revolutions in history reverted to the blessed through our friendship and our true nature can ‘become God’, as very forms they once rejected. It is a hope to realise what Bonnevaux can the early Christian teachers daringly sadly frequent outcome of idealism become. The best benedictions are said. We can always rise from our self- that we are all familiar with at a per- horizontal. If a message from the made ruins. Like Bonnevaux, we too sonal level, in relationships or in our bird-nest had fallen it would not have can be renovated. commitment. How many of us have spoiled the blessing. But we would Before I was me not seen ourselves fall short of the have been reminded of how the hu- I was God in God generous selflessness of our initial man entwines with the natural world And can be again enthusiasm? We gave ourselves with- and our well-made plans with the ran- If I die to my me out counting the cost. Then little by domness of the universe. We would (The Cherubinic Pilgrim, Angelus Sile- little….. compromise, excuses, com- have smiled because it would have nius, transl. Anrew Harvey) plaints, the demand for reward or
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A letter from Laurence Freeman, OSB
If you look at one of the photos told us that mistakes, failure and ac- To help understand the need for recognition. ing reborn. The life we find when we is triggered by our lifestyle. Speed, of the beautiful blessing of Bon- cidents are all eventually part of the a universal understanding of con- Revolutions – in individuals or so- have lost our life is life indeed. Or, as stress, addiction, virtual reality and nevaux last month you will see the single great blessing that is life. templation, we have launched a new cieties - have complex causes. They a koan puts it: the dragon roars in a the sense of alienation block out the large group of community, friends Shortly before the blessing of the WCCM podcast – called “Contempla- happen when the existing order of dead tree. contemplative experience. Without and neighbours packed into the long first phase of our renovation of Bon- tive Revolution”. We have called it this things begins to dismantle in several Passing through the paradox-por- it, life, reduced to merely material- cloister. They were listening to one nevaux, the Guiding Board had de- because contemplative Christianity is places simultaneously. Fear and un- tal of reality, we discover that contra- istic dimension, bleeds meaning. In of our principal speakers of the day cided on ‘Contemplative Christianity’ unachievable unless it is held in the certainty begin to spread. In society dictions co-exist. We are set free from contrast, John Keats wrote that life is speaking about the vision of this new as the WCCM theme for the coming gentle grip of the continuous revolu- those in power become alienated the exclusively dualistic mind and a ‘perpetual allegory’. But how many centre of peace that is to become no year. We felt that this to be an impor- tion of the gospel’s wisdom and val- from each other and people see the from the compulsive search for hap- today are educated to understand less a centre for peace. Those in the tant reminder, not just for the Church ues. The podcast offers regularly up- calibre of leadership declining. In piness in pleasure alone. We learn that this, to see how different dimensions front row are looking up at a single but for the world. Christianity fulfils dated teachings from the many gifted ourselves, the values and disciplines joy and sorrow (as we label them) are reflect each other, bringing us deeper point immediately above the speak- that give life harmony and meaning equally, sometimes simultaneously, into the mystery of all existence? I er’s head. Not in inspiration, though, loosen. Injustice, imbalance and de- revelatory. Everything teaches. Noth- think he means that life is eternally as much as in fear. The speaker had ception multiply. Feelings of resent- ing is wasted. Seeing this impacts ev- new as it unfolds to us its limitless been placed immediately under a ment and shock ensue similar to what erything, as a revolution or an earth- connections. Beauty, for example, is nest of swallows in the vaulted ceiling a child feels when it is treated badly. quake does, including our meditation the revelation of the whole in a part. where some newly fledged arrivals Conditions ripen for the coming of practice. We no longer bargain with We cannot help but love the beauti- were being cared for by their parents. false prophets. Voices of protest form meditation, threaten to leave if we ful. But love for one part expands to They were showing activity during narratives and slogans that crowds don’t get what we want, panic when include each of its neighbours. To the talk and those of us in the front can understand. Disappointment and nothing happens or try to fill the des- love one thing leads to loving every- began to fear that the birds above the a sense of betrayal scratch out a feel- ert with fantasy oases. The motivation thing. With love, meaning grows, not speaker might decide to drop down a ing of emptiness in the fear of a com- of our meditation changes. A wisdom through an ideology or by defining message or two of their own. ing precipice. not just our own is born, almost shyly, ourselves against others but through They did not. And so this part of Karl Marx had a vision compara- of interior renunciation. It now seems boundless felt connections. the benediction of Bonnevaux passed ble to that of Jesus: to realise the es- so obvious. By learning to let go of all Everything is meaningful in rela- smoothly to the next. But if the em- sence of Man in a classless society. It the stages - the dream, the failure and tionship to something else. To have barrassing event had happened what inspired the Communist revolution. the intermittent reward – the poverty entered upon a path of contempla- would have been lost? Would it have France and China entered their revo- we dreaded now carries a peace be- tive experience is to be going beyond spoiled everything or just shown us its mission in a world of many faiths teachers with whom our community lutions with high ideals. But quickly, yond our understanding. whatever we arrive at. It is to know that the best prepared plans remain to unite people in the universal truth. is blessed. I urge you to sign up for it the large vision contracts to short- the peace of ‘being on the way’ rath- vulnerable to the unexpected? It Part of this truth is that love, peace, because it will help stimulate and en- term advantages and the silencing of er than the pressure of trying to get helped us in that moment, however, joy and forgiveness are not just rich the hope and vision in you that dissent. The dive upwards into higher The life we find when we have somewhere faster by competing with to remember what blessing means. dreams or occasional lucky moments we need to share with the world. consciousness falters and, feeling that lost our life is life indeed others. Blessing does not come down from in life. They are essential elements Revolutions come and go. They we are losing our breath, we head The Greek word for this is epekta- above as much as it is transmitted of human nature that Christ taught seek the highest goals of human per- downwards to the surface again. All sis. Gregory of Nyssa called it unceas- from one to another by our genuine by word and example. It means that, fection and then begin to splutter, revolutions fail, including the gospel’s An entirely new class of experi- ing evolution in eternal happiness. St presence to each other and our col- however peaceless and divided we lose height and crash. Most political metanoia (the conversion of con- ence unfolds. We may have tasted it Paul used it too to describe the ‘always lective faith in the project. We are may be, individually or collectively, revolutions in history reverted to the sciousness itself), if we don’t learn to briefly before but it is unfamiliar. If we something more’, ‘always going be- blessed through our friendship and our true nature can ‘become God’, as very forms they once rejected. It is a breathe underwater. This means that have a language and belief system to yond’, aspect of a life that can breathe hope to realise what Bonnevaux can the early Christian teachers daringly sadly frequent outcome of idealism learning that we are more than our help, they can help to find meaning inside the spiritual dimension. The become. The best benedictions are said. We can always rise from our self- that we are all familiar with at a per- thoughts, even our best ideas. Nor in this contemplative experience. If contemplative scientist understands horizontal. If a message from the made ruins. Like Bonnevaux, we too sonal level, in relationships or in our are we limited by what we imagine. not – and many who learn to medi- it. As does the self-transcending art- bird-nest had fallen it would not have can be renovated. commitment. How many of us have Not only can we survive the stilling of tate today are suspicious of all belief ist or the parent who puts the needs spoiled the blessing. But we would Before I was me not seen ourselves fall short of the thought and the silencing of mental – the experience itself will suffice. A of their family before their own ca- have been reminded of how the hu- I was God in God generous selflessness of our initial chatter; but we soar in all directions, contemplative Christianity can teach reer. It describes life as uncontainable man entwines with the natural world And can be again enthusiasm? We gave ourselves with- losing nothing that we have lost. But the way to this experience and offer and self-renewing. Religious lead- and our well-made plans with the ran- If I die to my me out counting the cost. Then little by to break into the contemplative clear an understanding of it but patiently ers often find it hard to understand domness of the universe. We would (The Cherubinic Pilgrim, Angelus Sile- little….. compromise, excuses, com- sky, we have to have the realisation of and with self-restraint. when meaning becomes enshrined have smiled because it would have nius, transl. Anrew Harvey) plaints, the demand for reward or dying to self-consciousness and be- Our sense of global emergency in beliefs, ritual and structure and
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separated from real experience. The Contemplative Christians know egotism is breached, even in part, by more one talks about what one has what grace means: to follow the contemplative experience, grace be- not experienced, the more unreal and teacher and go we know not where, to gins to work wonders. unconvincing it sounds. share what we have received, to give But grace is not just a feel good fac- A contemplative Christianity has what we think we don’t have. This de- tor in the spiritual life like a period of to learn to confess its own large ar- mands the opening of the eye of the meditation in which distractions fade eas of sinfulness before pointing out heart. At the blessing of Bonnevaux and peace rides high. It is not what splinters in others’ eyes. This is not one of our most generous donors to Bonhoeffer called ‘cheap grace’, which self-laceration but the humility pres- the project said that, when he first he called the ‘mortal enemy of our ent in every teaching of Jesus and in considered it, he felt, ‘this is more than church’, the kind of grace that we give his risen presence. Without this hu- we can handle’. Or rather, he said, this is to ourselves. Grace at low cost once mility – what quicker way to humility what his head told him. His heart said shaped a certain kind of Christianity. is there than a daily fidelity to a con- otherwise. Bonnevaux, he said, is first The conditions and institutions that templative practice? – the risk of the understood from the heart. allowed it to flourish are disappear- anti-Christ grows. ing. A time of radical disruption has It is strange that the notion of the begun without easy answers and big Anti-Christ appears so early in the Every religion today needs to demands for renunciation. It is the life of the Church, in the first letter be simplified, purified, restored first days of Contemplative Christian- of John (2:22). An angel of darkness to its contemplative core ity. One aspect of the contemplative dresses up as an angel of light. Nega- mind is the ability to live peacefully tion disguises itself as truth. The wolf without certainty. sneaks up in sheep’s clothing. This is Community, like a family or a good As always, what matters is not the shadow of Christianity itself that workplace or village, is a manifesta- changing external realities but learn- crucifies Christ, in the ways we are tion of love. The heart, which speaks ing how to deal wisely with them. The tempted by power, corruption and the language of love, has reasons that heart of Christian faith reminds us of hubris: anti-semitism, the Crusades reason cannot compute. Each day in this from the beginning – how Jesus including the Childrens’ Crusade, the community we engage, in every en- accepted his destiny and transformed Inquisition, wars of religion, cover-up counter, with a part of the universe’s the deepest dark to light. It is how of clerical abuse. infinite web of relationships. At times James, ‘the ‘brother of the Lord’, un- Christianity, of course, is not the we glimpse this big picture within the derstood the meaning of suffering: only religion in which dark forces can life of the community life, if it is try- My Christian brothers and sis- take over. Every religion today needs ing to be a community of love. But, ters, you should be happy when to be simplified, purified, restored at other times, we think how much you have all kinds of tests. You to its contemplative core. Each one easier it would be to live alone. Even know these prove your faith. It must take responsibility for this. In in community (or family or work), you helps you not to give up. Learn the meantime, religions do better not can stop expanding in the web of love well how to wait so you will be to criticise each other but to renew because your ego decides to seek a strong and complete and in themselves. safe, separate identity. This occupies a need of nothing. A good way to renew a contem- space where you can criticise others Like Simone Weil he sees mean- plative Christianity is to start a com- and protect yourself. The ego forever ing in suffering. She thought that the munity. Seeds of new community are seeks separateness (its ancient habit). ‘greatness of Christian faith is not that always trying to be born in spiritual The self, however, courageously seeks it seeks a supernatural remedy for suf- traditions. What is new has power to solitude as the means of true, loving fering but a spiritual use for it.’ inspire. In the World Community the relationship. If I cannot be myself as I Sustaining this insight requires a weekly meditation group has long am I cannot accept you as you are. considerable depth of peace, which been a way in which meditators have Egotism rejects grace. It refuses is the fruit of prayer, fellowship and seen the community that meditation the gifts that flow unpredictably and being responsibly engaged with creates and taken the risk to share it unconditionally from the universe the day-to-day tests of life. Then the with new people. Meditation groups into our wounded lives. It fears grace peace at the heart of the contem- can become too cosy. It is easier to re- and pollutes it by trying to control it plative revolution becomes our own ceive than to give. But at some point on the ego’s terms. Often it even in- contribution to the turbulent social these two aspects of grace call to be terprets grace as a threat and demo- revolution we are passing through. reconciled. nises it. But whenever the firewall of When the future seems disturbing we
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separated from real experience. The Contemplative Christians know egotism is breached, even in part, by need this interior depth to deal with reality into the false consolations of ate monotony and boredom such as more one talks about what one has what grace means: to follow the contemplative experience, grace be- the immediate issues of life without fundamentalism. The dangerous one every addiction eventually produces. not experienced, the more unreal and teacher and go we know not where, to gins to work wonders. losing sight of the guiding principles is to absolutise ‘us and them’. When The cure is not to increase the dosage unconvincing it sounds. share what we have received, to give But grace is not just a feel good fac- needed for the long journey ahead. states shut their hearts to a refugee or multiply the ways of self-distrac- A contemplative Christianity has what we think we don’t have. This de- tor in the spiritual life like a period of Community is the daily school of bal- crisis, when leaders play the race card tion. It is to find a therapeutic repeti- to learn to confess its own large ar- mands the opening of the eye of the meditation in which distractions fade ancing the short and the long-term to enflame the prejudiced. When re- tion that is energised by the rhythm eas of sinfulness before pointing out heart. At the blessing of Bonnevaux and peace rides high. It is not what vision. One of the greatest masters of ligious people invoke God to exclude of life. It is this inter-weaving that re- splinters in others’ eyes. This is not one of our most generous donors to Bonhoeffer called ‘cheap grace’, which this wisdom in the Christian tradition gay or divorced people from their fel- news the blessed immediacy of our self-laceration but the humility pres- the project said that, when he first he called the ‘mortal enemy of our is St Benedict. lowship. In these reactions, we reject relationship to reality. ent in every teaching of Jesus and in considered it, he felt, ‘this is more than church’, the kind of grace that we give For Benedict the rhythm of daily the amazing contemplative gift that We are told to pursue happiness his risen presence. Without this hu- we can handle’. Or rather, he said, this is to ourselves. Grace at low cost once life holds the secret of remaining transforms humanity through seeing and fulfilment. But we can only pur- mility – what quicker way to humility what his head told him. His heart said shaped a certain kind of Christianity. tuned into reality (‘obedient’), steady ourselves in others and others in our- sue them by waiting for them. It is in is there than a daily fidelity to a con- otherwise. Bonnevaux, he said, is first The conditions and institutions that (‘stable’) and continuously growing selves. This gift is the vision of God. stillness that the most real contact templative practice? – the risk of the understood from the heart. allowed it to flourish are disappear- (‘conversion of life’). Respecting the Other-centred attention is the fac- happens. Only contact with the great anti-Christ grows. ing. A time of radical disruption has synergy of body, mind and spirit is the ulty that opens access to the web of communion ‘delivers us from evil’. By It is strange that the notion of the begun without easy answers and big meaning of the daily management of reality, in which everything is con- breaking the cycle of fear (it doesn’t Anti-Christ appears so early in the Every religion today needs to demands for renunciation. It is the time and tasks. Time to read, time to nected, and which we call God. The matter whether the swallows drop life of the Church, in the first letter be simplified, purified, restored first days of Contemplative Christian- work, time to pray. It is as simple as of John (2:22). An angel of darkness to its contemplative core ity. One aspect of the contemplative that. Contemporary lifestyles show, dresses up as an angel of light. Nega- mind is the ability to live peacefully however, that we feel it to be elusive tion disguises itself as truth. The wolf without certainty. and unsustainable. Yet, like a daily sneaks up in sheep’s clothing. This is Community, like a family or a good As always, what matters is not meditator in any walk of life, Bene- the shadow of Christianity itself that workplace or village, is a manifesta- changing external realities but learn- dict understood that the best way to crucifies Christ, in the ways we are tion of love. The heart, which speaks ing how to deal wisely with them. The achieve a natural, healthy rhythm of tempted by power, corruption and the language of love, has reasons that heart of Christian faith reminds us of life, interiorly and externally, is to pri- hubris: anti-semitism, the Crusades reason cannot compute. Each day in this from the beginning – how Jesus oritise the times of prayer. It is when including the Childrens’ Crusade, the community we engage, in every en- accepted his destiny and transformed we see, as John Main said, that the Inquisition, wars of religion, cover-up counter, with a part of the universe’s the deepest dark to light. It is how ‘times of meditation are the most im- of clerical abuse. infinite web of relationships. At times James, ‘the ‘brother of the Lord’, un- portant times of your day’, that the Christianity, of course, is not the we glimpse this big picture within the derstood the meaning of suffering: contemplative revolution has swept only religion in which dark forces can life of the community life, if it is try- My Christian brothers and sis- us up into itself and we become this take over. Every religion today needs ing to be a community of love. But, ters, you should be happy when new kind of revolutionary and force to be simplified, purified, restored at other times, we think how much you have all kinds of tests. You for peaceful change. We become to its contemplative core. Each one easier it would be to live alone. Even know these prove your faith. It what Christians should always be, worldwide web of the internet is as- their message on the speaker), of de- must take responsibility for this. In in community (or family or work), you helps you not to give up. Learn practioners rather than preachers tounding but only a miniscule reflec- sire and anger and by dissolving the the meantime, religions do better not can stop expanding in the web of love well how to wait so you will be Contemplation is a life-choice that tion of the great communion revealed fixed patterns of our self-defeat, we to criticise each other but to renew because your ego decides to seek a strong and complete and in doesn’t provide answers. But nor does by the contemplative vision of reality. are sent back to live, not fight life. We themselves. safe, separate identity. This occupies a need of nothing. it demand blind allegiance to an ideol- In this great communion, if we are find the meaning of good work. The A good way to renew a contem- space where you can criticise others Like Simone Weil he sees mean- ogy, as does the major alternative to- awake and present, we are taught by inevitable disappointments, fears and plative Christianity is to start a com- and protect yourself. The ego forever ing in suffering. She thought that the day, fundamentalism, with its false and the simplest things: a walk by your- sorrows of life dissolve into a new munity. Seeds of new community are seeks separateness (its ancient habit). ‘greatness of Christian faith is not that divisive simplicities. Instead, it requires self around the lake, an evening with hope and joy. always trying to be born in spiritual The self, however, courageously seeks it seeks a supernatural remedy for suf- a sustained vulnerability of mind and community and guests, the rhythm And, in each moment of defeat, it traditions. What is new has power to solitude as the means of true, loving fering but a spiritual use for it.’ heart, permitting us to be penetrated of meditation and prayer during the summons up the certainty of a sec- inspire. In the World Community the relationship. If I cannot be myself as I Sustaining this insight requires a by a new expression of reality. It re- waking hours of each day. ond chance, the liberation from the weekly meditation group has long am I cannot accept you as you are. considerable depth of peace, which quires a detached approach to insti- In the year 2000 a million actual law of karma by a love that can nei- been a way in which meditators have Egotism rejects grace. It refuses is the fruit of prayer, fellowship and tutions and structures and an interior suicides were recorded and there ther leave us nor punish us: because seen the community that meditation the gifts that flow unpredictably and being responsibly engaged with discipline supported by the love and were twenty million attempts. For it is a perpetual beginning. creates and taken the risk to share it unconditionally from the universe the day-to-day tests of life. Then the forgiveness of your fellow-pilgrims. these - and for many others harming with new people. Meditation groups into our wounded lives. It fears grace peace at the heart of the contem- Contemplation is the antidote to themselves in our global culture – life With much love, Laurence Freeman can become too cosy. It is easier to re- and pollutes it by trying to control it plative revolution becomes our own fundamentalism in all its forms. Wo- became, as it did for Hamlet as he ceive than to give. But at some point on the ego’s terms. Often it even in- contribution to the turbulent social ven into daily life, a contemplative considered the same option, ‘weary, these two aspects of grace call to be terprets grace as a threat and demo- revolution we are passing through. practice sets off an alarm bell when stale, flat and unprofitable’. At the reconciled. nises it. But whenever the firewall of When the future seems disturbing we the tendency is triggered to run from core of this mental state is a desper- Laurence Freeman OSB
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Bonnevaux
Blessing A day to treasure in our hearts The blessing of Phase 1 of Renovation brought together a group representing different aspects of the WCCM
Laurence Freeman: “We are all here to bless”
Part of the ceremony was held in the Abbaye’s cloister An illustration of the vision of life at Bonnevaux. This is how we can syn- thesize the gathering for the Blessing of Phase 1 of renovation, on the 15 June. The historic day had participants from a local and global level. The It is a very special moment in the Archbishop of Poitiers, Mgr Pascal Wintzer did the official blessing. The group life of our Community and for the Bon- included the Abbot of Ligugé Dom Christophe Bettwy, WCCM members of nevaux Community. A blessing is not Poitiers, the French Community, coordinators and members of other nation- only something that comes externally, al communities. Friends from local Zen Soto and Tibetan Buddhists groups it comes from within. I think we are all were also present, as well as neighbours and friends. here to bless this place of prayer, this place of hospitality, this place of heal- A chance to ing. Your presence here is an integral part of this blessing. It gives us all get to know great pleasure to see the diversity of Bonnevaux our friends and guests today. We have religious monks, priests, lay people, The day provided an op- we have many forms of Christian faith portunity for people from far and we are delighted we can welcome away or nearby to see differ- friends from other faiths with us today. ent aspects of Bonnevaux: Bonnevaux is committed to the service the renovated Abbaye, the of peace and there is no peace without work in progress, the natu- unity. The power of unity is that people ral environment. The House who are very different from each other and Garden tours were led can live together in friendship. People in English and French to in- of different beliefs, but sharing a deep clude everyone present. common faith in humanity.
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Bonnevaux Bonnevaux
Blessing Monseigneur Pascal Wintzer: Blessing of the Abbaye A day to treasure in our hearts “We need access to silence” The blessing of Phase 1 of Renovation brought together a group representing different aspects of the WCCM
Laurence Freeman: “We are all here to bless”
Abbot of Ligugé Christophe Bettwy blessing the icon of the Trinity Fr Laurence gave a short intro- side the Abbaye. This was followed duction to meditation followed by a by the installation of the blessed It is easier to talk about meditation few minutes of practice. Then it was sacrament also in the prayer chapel. than it is to meditate. In the turmoil of the moment for Mgr Pascal Wintzer Then Mgr Wintzer continued the ordinary life, we need silence. In times to lead the blessing throughout the blessing to the external parts of the Part of the ceremony was held in the Abbaye’s cloister of war, in times of quiet and in our internal and external parts of the Abbaye and all the guests gathered daily life, we need times of silence. In Abbaye. The Abbot of Ligugé Chris- at the back of the building, in front of An illustration of the vision of life at Bonnevaux. This is how we can syn- a violent world, the inner silence will tophe Bettwy led the blessing and the image of Our Lady of Bonnevaux thesize the gathering for the Blessing of Phase 1 of renovation, on the 15 bring us to peace, we need to have ac- the installation of the icon of the - Queen of Peace - this image was It is a very special moment in the June. The historic day had participants from a local and global level. The cess to silence and to peace. Trinity in the small prayer chapel in- blessed by the Archbishop. Archbishop of Poitiers, Mgr Pascal Wintzer did the official blessing. The group life of our Community and for the Bon- included the Abbot of Ligugé Dom Christophe Bettwy, WCCM members of nevaux Community. A blessing is not Poitiers, the French Community, coordinators and members of other nation- only something that comes externally, A message from Support & Gratitude al communities. Friends from local Zen Soto and Tibetan Buddhists groups it comes from within. I think we are all were also present, as well as neighbours and friends. here to bless this place of prayer, this Monte Oliveto The Mayor of Marçay, San- place of hospitality, this place of heal- Dom Ugo de’ Sangro represented dra Girard, has been a voice of A chance to ing. Your presence here is an integral the mother house of Fr Laurence, support to Bonnevaux since part of this blessing. It gives us all Monte Oliveto Maggiore. He read a the beginning. She thanked get to know great pleasure to see the diversity of message sent by the Abbot Dom Di- the Community for a project Bonnevaux our friends and guests today. We have ego Rosa: I hope to come soon to visit that respects the history and religious monks, priests, lay people, Bonnevaux. I am very pleased that nature of the place and once The day provided an op- we have many forms of Christian faith this former Abbaye is starting again more emphasized she will portunity for people from far and we are delighted we can welcome as a Centre of Christian Meditation keep supporting Bonnevaux as away or nearby to see differ- friends from other faiths with us today. and peace, as a Centre for France, for much as possible. Thanks and ent aspects of Bonnevaux: Bonnevaux is committed to the service Europe, the entire world and a Centre gratitude were also expressed the renovated Abbaye, the of peace and there is no peace without for the renewal of the contemplative to the renovation team at the work in progress, the natu- unity. The power of unity is that people life in the church. (...) I feel very close end of Phase 1: Bernard Ruel ral environment. The House who are very different from each other to Bonnevaux and the whole Olivetan (Architect from France), Kailas and Garden tours were led can live together in friendship. People congregation feels an affinity to this Moorthy (representing DP Ar- in English and French to in- of different beliefs, but sharing a deep foundation. We hope it can live and chitects) and Wolfgang Hasne clude everyone present. common faith in humanity. bear many fruits. (Project Manager).
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Bonnevaux
Peter Ng: “This rose is not only about Patricia but about all members of our Community who made Bonnevaux possible” our Community, over the last 50 years, who have passed on but have laid the foundation of Bonnevaux today. I think Patricia would like me to say that this is not only about Patricia, but about all members of our Community through- out the world, who have contributed to the growth of our Community and made Bonnevaux possible today. Music Concert and Salve Regina A music concert in the Abbaye’s entry hall, organized by the resident Photo: Peter NG planting an English rose in memory of Patricia Ng community, gave the final special Another symbolic and moving mo- My family is very honoured that touch for this day of blessing, after ment of the day was the planting of the the Community at Bonnevaux asked which everyone went again outside to roses. Dom Ugo did the planting of a me to plant this rose in memory of my sing “Salve Regina” in front of the im- French rose and Peter Ng (National Coor- late wife Patricia Ng. We are planting age of Our Lady. dinator of Singapore) planted an English this rose not only in memory of her ONLINE: Watch videos on the Bless- rose in memory of his wife Patricia Ng: but also in memory of all members of ing: http://tiny.cc/BnvxBless
Angelene Chan (DP Architects CEO) on building from the 12 century, that was an abbey, and restoring it over the Bonnevaux: “It is truly a project of love” years to what was originally built for. It is a project of passion, of love - I think First impression Why did I get involved? maybe because a lot of this is done When we first saw Bonnevaux, My office is all the way in Singapore; through voluntary work, and you can when I came upon the land, I found it is a long way. But when I saw the place see that everyone involved in it is tru- that it was truly magical. It had ev- and I knew what the place was going to ly passionate. It is not a commercial erything that we wanted: a beautiful be for, I could see it is almost like creat- project, and there is a bond out of the chapel, an abbey (what was an ab- ing heaven on earth. So I asked myself: belief that this will be a place that ev- bey on the 12th Century), all the sur- “How could I not be involved?” It is so eryone will enjoy, everyone needs, and rounding buildings and the land, the beautiful, and it is especially for people that everyone will grow to love. rolling plans, the hills, the lakes, the who will come from all over the world to stream. Although there was a lot of meditate. A place of retreat, of restora- ONLINE: watch the full video with restoration work that we had to do, we tion. For me, I felt deeply that I had to be Angelene: http://tiny.cc/AngBvx all felt that it was something that we involved. could achieve and we should achieve, A unique project To know more on because the whole place, as I said, is Bonnevaux visit This project is unique because I magical and has everything that we www.bonnevauxwccm.org wanted. don’t think we have ever worked in a
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Bonnevaux News
Peter Ng: “This rose is not only about Patricia but about all Laurence Freeman visits Korea for the first time members of our Community who made Bonnevaux possible” By Sr. Enosh Cho, OSB our Community, over the last 50 years, Father Laurence Freeman visited who have passed on but have laid the Korea from May 13th to 24th. He was foundation of Bonnevaux today. I think invited by the Korean Benedictine Patricia would like me to say that this is Association to introduce Christian not only about Patricia, but about all Meditation to the Korean Benedic- members of our Community through- tines and Oblates. In particular, the out the world, who have contributed conference of the Korean Benedic- to the growth of our Community and tines, held at the Tutzing Daegu made Bonnevaux possible today. Priory on May 16th and 17th, was very meaningful in that Christian Music Concert and Salve Regina Meditation was officially introduced A music concert in the Abbaye’s in Korea for the first time. Learning entry hall, organized by the resident and practicing Christian Meditation Photo: Peter NG planting an English rose in memory of Patricia Ng community, gave the final special together, Benedictine monks and Another symbolic and moving mo- My family is very honoured that touch for this day of blessing, after sisters who attended the conference were able to discover or recover the ment of the day was the planting of the the Community at Bonnevaux asked which everyone went again outside to Fr Laurence with kindergarten children roses. Dom Ugo did the planting of a me to plant this rose in memory of my sing “Salve Regina” in front of the im- essential aspects of the monasticism French rose and Peter Ng (National Coor- late wife Patricia Ng. We are planting age of Our Lady. - silence, simplicity, and stillness - tian Meditation which is deeply seeds of pure prayer were sowed dinator of Singapore) planted an English this rose not only in memory of her ONLINE: Watch videos on the Bless- and to rekindle our desire to devote rooted in the monastic tradition and into the contemplative soil which rose in memory of his wife Patricia Ng: but also in memory of all members of ing: http://tiny.cc/BnvxBless ourselves to the journey to the pu- the wisdom of desert Fathers. Father already cultivated in the heart and rity of heart and inner growth. Laurence also had a chance to meet nature of Korean people. Father Lau- Through the conferences given to with children in a kindergarten run by rence recommended that we have the Oblates of Waegwan Abbey and Olivetan Sisters. He introduced medi- a somewhat longer time of silence Angelene Chan (DP Architects CEO) on building from the 12 century, that was Olivetan monasteries of Gosung and tation to the children and had a time after reading the Scripture during an abbey, and restoring it over the Yangju, Father Laurence quenched of prayer with them. We were pleased the Divine Office and we have been Bonnevaux: “It is truly a project of love” years to what was originally built for. It the spiritual thirst of many faith- to see that even six-year-old children following it in our community. This is a project of passion, of love - I think First impression Why did I get involved? ful. The talks for the Tutzing and could easily get into meditation. little change keeps reminding us of maybe because a lot of this is done Olivetan Benedictine sisters’ com- Father Laurence’s visit to Korea the most important things for our When we first saw Bonnevaux, My office is all the way in Singapore; through voluntary work, and you can munities awakened us to re-opened was as experience for which will al- monastic lives - centered on Christ when I came upon the land, I found it is a long way. But when I saw the place see that everyone involved in it is tru- our eyes to the precious gift of Chris- ways be grateful – a time that the and the poverty of the heart! that it was truly magical. It had ev- and I knew what the place was going to ly passionate. It is not a commercial erything that we wanted: a beautiful be for, I could see it is almost like creat- project, and there is a bond out of the chapel, an abbey (what was an ab- ing heaven on earth. So I asked myself: belief that this will be a place that ev- bey on the 12th Century), all the sur- “How could I not be involved?” It is so eryone will enjoy, everyone needs, and Guiding Board meeting announces the WCCM rounding buildings and the land, the beautiful, and it is especially for people that everyone will grow to love. Theme 2019-2020: Contemplative Christianity rolling plans, the hills, the lakes, the who will come from all over the world to stream. Although there was a lot of meditate. A place of retreat, of restora- ONLINE: watch the full video with The Guiding Board meeting this year was held near Bonnevaux shortly restoration work that we had to do, we tion. For me, I felt deeply that I had to be Angelene: http://tiny.cc/AngBvx before the Easter Retreat. One of the key decisions of the Board was se- all felt that it was something that we involved. lecting the Community’s theme of reflection and teaching for the com- ing year as “Contemplative Christianity”. National Communities are could achieve and we should achieve, To know more on A unique project encouraged to use this to focus and unify their annual programmes. because the whole place, as I said, is Bonnevaux visit This project is unique because I ONLINE: watch GB members reflecting on the theme: http://tiny.cc/thm1920 magical and has everything that we www.bonnevauxwccm.org wanted. don’t think we have ever worked in a
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News
WCCM Mission to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, West Indies By Sr. Ruth Montrichard
At the request of Bishop Gerard County CSSp, himself a meditator, a team from WCCM Caribbean visited St. Vincent for a week in June with funding provided from the “Emerg- ing Communities fund” of WCCM. At the beginning of the visit the team met with the Bishop and a newly appointed team for Chris- tian Meditation in the diocese and mapped out the programme which included: * Giving talks at six parish Masses Centre the other Islands of the Caribbean. on Saturday and Sunday * Giving three Radio Interviews. The visit inspired the Bishop to * Revisiting one primary and The Bishop highly praised the encourage each parish to host a three secondary schools where the team who conducted the sessions meditation group, the schools to practice of Christian Meditation with a great deal of confidence. continue their practice on a daily ba- continues They had previously attended Essen- sis, and those in the Prison Ministry * Visiting and reintroducing Chris- tial Teaching Weekends, John Main to be faithful to the practice. tian Meditation in the male prison Seminars, and Retreats with the Additionally, the Bishop has asked * Introducing Christian Medita- help of funding from the USA and Fr. Laurence Freeman to address the tion to teenaged girls in a home for Australia. Attending these events Caribbean Bishops at their annual abused teens in no small way prepared them for meeting in 2020. This will surely an- * Giving talks to the priests, dea- the task, and helped set up a team chor Christian Meditation firmly in cons and their wives at the Pastoral model that could be replicated in the Caribbean. Project to bring meditation to rural schools in South Africa is in progress In South Africa WCCM is work- This was the second workshop ing in partnership with The Catho- as part of this ongoing project in lic Institute of Education (CIE) to South Africa. bring Christian Meditation to rural A third workshop took place in schools. On 30 April, a three-hour Polokwane in the north of the coun- workshop was held at Mthatha try on 24 May. 11 schools attended, and 44 teachers from 8 schools at- sending one or two representatives tended. Two of these schools are in of their teaching staffs. Some trav- the town itself and the remainder elled between 200-300 kilometres are rural, at various distances from (return trip) to be at the workshop Mthatha. A group of six teachers which began mid-morning and travelled 150 km from Cofimvaba to ended with a late lunch at 14:00. be at the workshop, and a principal Follow-up visits to interested from a deep rural school some 100 schools in areas already visited are km away in Maclear also attended. planned for the second semester.
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News In Focus
WCCM Mission to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, West Indies Maciej Zurawski, Scotland By Sr. Ruth Montrichard tation. It seems that these images they don’t have time to meditate. captured all of human experience, On the other hand, people some- At the request of Bishop Gerard from heaven to hell, from darkness time underestimate my age by County CSSp, himself a meditator, a to light, from despair to hope. about 15-19 years or so. Can time team from WCCM Caribbean visited In hindsight, I came to real- stand still? One translation of the St. Vincent for a week in June with ize that if we are afraid to face our Golden Sequence, the prayer to the funding provided from the “Emerg- darkness, and instead embrace the Holy Spirit, reads “Free us from the ing Communities fund” of WCCM. distractions that the world is trying tyranny of time”. At the beginning of the visit the to offer us constantly, we never re- The secular world is by its nature team met with the Bishop and a ally discover our inner treasure, our anti-meditative. It wants us to live newly appointed team for Chris- vocation, or God’s redemptive light by illusion, addiction and disease. tian Meditation in the diocese and resting within us. The discipline of meditation, on mapped out the programme which I also experienced that every mo- the other hand, leads us to truth, included: ment God is still creating me, and freedom and holistic health. * Giving talks at six parish Masses Centre the other Islands of the Caribbean. that meditation brings me in touch Now back to the fire. During that on Saturday and Sunday * Giving three Radio Interviews. The visit inspired the Bishop to As I will explain, it all started with with an inner, deeply hidden, life- retreat when everything started, I * Revisiting one primary and The Bishop highly praised the encourage each parish to host a a fire. I started meditation about 19 giving well. I made a commitment experienced for the very first time three secondary schools where the team who conducted the sessions meditation group, the schools to years ago at an eight-day silent re- to always stay in touch with that in- the presence of the Holy Spirit practice of Christian Meditation with a great deal of confidence. continue their practice on a daily ba- treat, the so-called Spiritual Exercis- ner well of life, since I had decided in a physical way like a fire going continues They had previously attended Essen- sis, and those in the Prison Ministry es. We meditated several hours per that there is nothing more impor- through my body, purifying and * Visiting and reintroducing Chris- tial Teaching Weekends, John Main to be faithful to the practice. day in a beautiful natural setting. It tant. This retreat was a sudden, life- bringing to life, but not burning. tian Meditation in the male prison Seminars, and Retreats with the Additionally, the Bishop has asked was a time when all illusions of the changing experience, and I have Meditation is as much about the * Introducing Christian Medita- help of funding from the USA and Fr. Laurence Freeman to address the ego would painfully fall apart, one been meditating every day since body as about the spirit, and that tion to teenaged girls in a home for Australia. Attending these events Caribbean Bishops at their annual by one, and I could go deeper and then, both in good times and in bad experience has been with me, even abused teens in no small way prepared them for meeting in 2020. This will surely an- deeper and discover the astonish- times. At the retreat we meditated though we do not seek any experi- * Giving talks to the priests, dea- the task, and helped set up a team chor Christian Meditation firmly in ing spiritual reality within. It was in silence, but together, exactly as ence at all in meditation, but rather cons and their wives at the Pastoral model that could be replicated in the Caribbean. like discovering a new continent – a we do in WCCM. I find that medi- simplicity. I have been helping to promised land. tating in a group is still an extraor- lead a WCCM meditation group in Project to bring meditation to rural schools in South Africa is in progress It certainly helped having a spiri- dinary experience, and the Spirit Edinburgh for many years. In my In South Africa WCCM is work- This was the second workshop tual director to interpret all move- often leads us in unexpected direc- work as a software developer, I ing in partnership with The Catho- as part of this ongoing project in ments of the spirit and the endless tions – the Spirit is fully of serendip- have also been developing mobile lic Institute of Education (CIE) to South Africa. stream of images that were gener- ity and surprises. apps for religion, spirituality and bring Christian Meditation to rural A third workshop took place in ated in my mind during the medi- Sometime people tell me that healing. schools. On 30 April, a three-hour Polokwane in the north of the coun-
1 workshop was held at Mthatha try on 24 May. 11 schools attended, www.wccm.org Meditatio Newsletter July 2019 and 44 teachers from 8 schools at- sending one or two representatives
43 No 2; July 2019 I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D I T I O N , Vol Registered Charity No. 327173 - tended. Two of these schools are in of their teaching staffs. Some trav- www.wccm.org New Podcast Contemplative Meditatio Newsletter is published four Editor: Leonardo Corrêa Feast of peace and Unity Revolution the town itself and the remainder elled between 200-300 kilometres Blessing of Phase 1 of renovation of Bonnevaux was an illustration of the vision of life at the WCCN new home times a year by the International Office of ([email protected]) are rural, at various distances from (return trip) to be at the workshop Graphic Design: Gerson Laureano Mthatha. A group of six teachers which began mid-morning and The World Community for Christian There is a new way for you to listen to talks, interviews and dialogue from the WCCM collection. It is called Meditation, St Marks, Myddelton Square Would you like to contribute to the travelled 150 km from Cofimvaba to ended with a late lunch at 14:00. Contemplative Revolution, a weekly podcast. You can download and listen to the programs using different audio apps. Visit and subscribe to this podcast here: London EC1R 1XX, London, UK. Meditatio Newsletter? Our next be at the workshop, and a principal Follow-up visits to interested http://podcast.wccm.org
ert with the choir from a deep rural school some 100 schools in areas already visited are Mgr Pascal Wintzer blessing Bonnevaux (top) and the music conc Tel: +44 (0) 20 7278 2070 deadline is 10 September. Resources News 12 News 10 km away in Maclear also attended. planned for the second semester. 9 New pocket books and The Updates on WCCM Roots of Christian Mysticism Laurence Freeman developments on the Caribbean online course visits Korea for the and South Africa
This issue This first time
Meditatio Newsletter • June 2019 • Australian News 11 12 www.wccm.org Meditatio Newsletter July 2019
Resources & Events
New Pocket Book Series Pilgrimages in 2020 29 Jan – 15 Feb: Christian Ashrams and St. Thomas Churches. More info: http://tiny.cc/indiap2020 7 – 15 Feb: A Contemplative Journey to the Holy Land led by Laurence Freeman. More info: http://tiny.cc/HolyLand2020 Meditatio Series
The Transformative Awakening Experience of Meditation By John Main By Kim Nataraja Prayer is a self-transcending process In leaving thoughts and images behind which enables us to know ourselves as and applying attention to the word we tran- the presence of the living Christ in our scend the ego and enter the Presence of God. world.
The Cloud of Unknowing Images of Meditation By Graeme Watson By Liz Watson The teaching of the 14th century spiri- Seeing the hidden teaching in ordi- The latest Meditatio CD Series. tual classic is presented here in a lively and nary things - bikes, flowers, clouds - to Listen to or download the tracks: contemporary way. en-hance our practice of meditation. http://tiny.cc/Med2019B Order a copy of the CD: Order now at Medio Media: http://tiny.cc/bklts2019 http://tiny.cc/2019BHoliness The Roots of Christian Mysticism online course The Roots of Christian Mysticism - our online course - is now complete. All three terms are now available! The course explores the mystical tradition from Jesus to John Main and is not to be missed. The online course is now also available for groups to use - at discounted rates. Many people have asked for www.theschoolofmeditation.org this feature - groups can meet to study and reflect together on the mystics. For more information contact the administrator Tina: @theschoolofmeditationwccm E: [email protected] T: +442072782070 @the.school.of.meditation Please sign up and encourage others to do so as well.
To order: contact the resource centre nearest to you. Our centres are listed below VISIT WCCM’s ONLINE BOOKSTORE: https://mediomedia.com/ USA ASIA www.contemplative-life.org email: [email protected] NEW ZEALAND UK and EUROPE email:[email protected] Tel: +65 6469 7671 www.christiansupplies.co.nz www.goodnewsbooks.co.uk Tel: +1-520-882-0290 email: email: [email protected] [email protected] CANADA AUSTRALIA Tel: 0508 988 988 Tel: +44 (0) 1582 571011 www.wccm-canada.ca [email protected] (Within NZ Only) [email protected] Tel: +61 2 9482 3468 Tel: +1-514-485-7928
12 Meditatio Newsletter • June 2019 • Australian News 12 www.wccm.org Meditatio Newsletter July 2019 WCCM Australia THE WORLD COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION AUSTRALIA
Resources & Events Australian Website • www.wccmaustralia.org.au International Website • www.wccm.org June 2019
New Pocket Book Series Pilgrimages in 2020 29 Jan – 15 Feb: Christian Ashrams and St. Thomas Churches. More info: The Sacred Space for Healing http://tiny.cc/indiap2020 7 – 15 Feb: A Contemplative Journey St Peter’s Mintaro, South Australia to the Holy Land led by Laurence Freeman. More info: By Jean Johns http://tiny.cc/HolyLand2020 On 2 April 2019, a Christian Meditatio Series Meditation group was launched at the Sacred Space of Healing and Quiet (Healing) Garden, at St Peter’s Church, Mintaro, SA, a healing The Transformative Awakening ministry for survivors of church Experience of Meditation By John Main abuse, under the auspices of the By Kim Nataraja Prayer is a self-transcending process Anglican Diocese of Willochra. In leaving thoughts and images behind which enables us to know ourselves as This is just one of the many services and applying attention to the word we tran- the presence of the living Christ in our offered through the Sacred Space scend the ego and enter the Presence of God. world. for Healing to address the need for spiritual healing of survivors of church The Cloud of Unknowing Images of Meditation abuse. Healing Stations: Prayer Bench, Fire Pit for Burning of Letter to God and Heritage By Graeme Watson By Liz Watson Let me share a short description St Peter’s Church housing the prayer space. The teaching of the 14th century spiri- Seeing the hidden teaching in ordi- The latest Meditatio CD Series. of the genesis of this unique ministry tual classic is presented here in a lively and nary things - bikes, flowers, clouds - to Listen to or download the tracks: authored by Joe Johns.1 for them the most has reached its himself who harmed them. At the contemporary way. en-hance our practice of meditation. http://tiny.cc/Med2019B apex in the aftermath of the Royal center of spiritual healing for survivors, Order a copy of the CD: St Peter’s Mintaro, Commission. the link between the perpetrator of Order now at Medio Media: http://tiny.cc/bklts2019 http://tiny.cc/2019BHoliness A Re-Purposed Ministry One of the most devastating the trauma and our Loving God must The need for the church of God to consequences of the harm done to be broken. The Roots of Christian Mysticism online course reach out to those wounded by the them by ministers of religion is the very individuals mandated to care belief of many victims that it was God continued over page The Roots of Christian Mysticism - our online course - is now complete. All three terms are now available! The course explores the mystical tradition from Jesus to John Main and is not to be missed. The online course is now also available for groups to use - at discounted rates. Many people have asked for NATIONAL CONFERENCE www.theschoolofmeditation.org this feature - groups can meet to study and reflect together on the mystics. MELBOURNE For more information contact the administrator Tina: 11 & 12 Oct 2019 @theschoolofmeditationwccm E: [email protected] T: +442072782070 Laurence Freeman OSB @the.school.of.meditation Please sign up and encourage others to do so as well. “Being Unity in a Divided World” As the world seems to fracture and resort to violence as a way To order: contact the resource centre nearest to you. Our centres are listed below to resolve problems, the contemplative dimension of the church – and all VISIT WCCM’s ONLINE BOOKSTORE: https://mediomedia.com/ religions – has never been more urgently needed. Community and solitude USA both nurture this dimension that offers the best hope we have to survive ASIA www.contemplative-life.org email: [email protected] NEW ZEALAND and flourish. The mystical tradition illuminates the discoveries of science and UK and EUROPE email:[email protected] Tel: +65 6469 7671 www.christiansupplies.co.nz gives depth to the idea of progress. How does the ‘ordinary meditator’ www.goodnewsbooks.co.uk Tel: +1-520-882-0290 email: email: [email protected] – as we all are – serve this saving and healing work? [email protected] CANADA AUSTRALIA Tel: 0508 988 988 Tel: +44 (0) 1582 571011 www.wccm-canada.ca [email protected] (Within NZ Only) Registration form for this event is available at wwccmaustralia.org.au [email protected] Tel: +61 2 9482 3468 Tel: +1-514-485-7928 Enquiries: Mirella Pace 0408 470 114, [email protected]
Meditatio Newsletter • June 2019 • Australian News 13 The Role of Christian Meditation loved by God; the most transformative in Sacred Space for Healing power of all. As one survivor shared While St Peter’s will not be a place for with me, I cannot see how the fullness formal worship, it offers communal of healing can occur without God, prayer in the form of Christian without a faith in God. Meditation. Having experienced In addition to offering this form the healing power of silence and of prayer to survivors, Christian meditation myself, I am convinced Meditation is offered to the locals in that this form of prayer contributes the mid-North community of Clare, to the very core of spiritual healing Sevenhill and Mintaro. Support of local Sacred Space is consecrated for. In meditators encourages the hidden the resource manual, Sharing the work of healing prayer for survivors. Gift, Biblical Support for Christian We want this healing space to be Meditation from a Presbyterian point shrouded and steeped in prayerful of view, the author refers to Psalm presence. Meditators can assist in this 46 as the “second word” of Christian unique ministry of healing. Through Meditation as that taught by John Christian meditation in this Sacred Main. He writes, Space, meditators not only contribute to the healing work of survivors, they “The psalmist describes a natural open themselves up to the healing world whose foundations are shaking touch of God in their own lives. and trembling and a political world in turmoil where “nations are in an * * * * * * * uproar, the kingdoms totter,” but it is a world in which God’s rule will If you are in the area, please join triumph, ‘for the Lord of hosts is with us in meditation on Tuesdays, 11am- Cross for survivors to release the names of the us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.’ In 12pm at St Peter’s, Hill Street, Mintaro, people who harm them and surrender order to know this, is to experience South Australia. Most importantly, to Christ. the presence and power of God, while please hold us in your prayers, as we everything appears to be falling apart slowly permeate this sacred space The avenues of spiritual healing for around us, the psalmist declares the with God’s gentle, loving and healing victims of clergy abuse are scarce in word of the Lord, ‘Be still and know presence.2 Australia. There is a clear need for a that I am God.’” (p.19) dedicated Sacred Space for victims / survivors of church abuse, to be used for personal and communal prayer. “Christian Meditation To address this critical spiritual need, Bishop John Stead, shepherd of the can offer survivors a safe Anglican Diocese of Willochra has embraced a new ministry initiative to refuge and a blessed provide a sacred space dedicated to assurance in this practice.” spiritual healing. On 19 Mar 2019, a dedication service and blessing was held to open The unimaginable horrors this new ministry at St Peter’s Mintaro, experienced by and the crumbling South Australia. worlds of survivors, and the tottering The vision of St Peter’s Mintaro is to of institutions as a result of the abuse transform the grounds and the church inflicted upon our brothers and sisters into a sacred space that will promote in Christ need to be restored and spiritual healing for those harmed by healed. Christian Meditation can offer ministers of religion here in Australia. It survivors a safe refuge and a blessed is hoped that St Peter’s will be both an assurance in this practice. It may lead ecumenical and an interfaith venture. them to “...realizing the indwelling St Peter’s sacred space will offer a presence of God, realizing what has menu of options for its visitors. Upon already been achieved... (Sharing the arrival, visitors will be welcomed and Gift, p. 11) The practice of Christian given a pamphlet that describes the meditation can lead to the opening up Prayer Space ministry of St Peter’s with a description of oneself to a reconciled relationship 1. Read the full article, on The Willochran, March 2019 of what forms of ministry are on offer. to oneself, to others, and ultimately to edition, www.diowillochra.org.au/the-willochran/ 2. Another link about Sacred Space for healing can be Visitors can choose to engage any, all God. It may lead them to finding the found at: www.abc.net.au and search Clare Valley’s or none of the options offered. path back to their own truth of being Sacred Space garden helps to heal the wounds of abuse.
14 Meditatio Newsletter • June 2019 • Australian News A Week in Melbourne with Laurence Freeman OSB 7th - 12th October 2019
Dear Friends It is with great joy that I invite you all to Melbourne for a week of special events with Fr Laurence Freeman OSB. You are welcome to attend any of those events open to you, culminating with the National Conference on Friday night 11th October and all-day Saturday 12th October 2019. The program reflects the work of outreach by WCCM Australia, such as teaching Christian meditation to children and young people and for those in the broader secular community who may be seeking a contemplative practice. Whether you are new to meditation or have been practising for some time this beautiful contemplative prayer of silence, stillness and simplicity as taught by John Main OSB, you will find much to enrich your journey and practice. I highly recommend this week to you all and encourage those of you from other states to consider coming to Melbourne at this time. Please pass on this invitation to others. Please contact me for any further information. Mirella Pace National Coordinator, WCCCM Australia • 0408 470 114 • [email protected]
Monday 7 October Tuesday 8 October Christian Meditation with Children and Young ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled: teachings from People: A Lifelong Gift contemplative Christianity for the secular age’. Open to Principals, Teachers, Chaplains, Parents, Open to all. catechists, family Coordinators. Contact: Tom Hardman: [email protected] Time: 9am-3.30pm • Cost: $120 Time: 9.30am-5pm Place: Amora Hotel, 649 Bridge Rd, Richmond Cost: Early bird $65; Full fee $85; Concession $65 Contact: Ruth Fowler: [email protected] Place: Rosina Auditorium, Abbotsford Convent Registration: http://thecontemplary.org/events/fr-laurence-freeman Wednesday 9 October “Sparks of Beauty” Public event open to all. The Archbishops Office for Evangelization Venue: St Mary of the Cross Chapel, Australian Catholic University Melbourne, 8 Brunswick Street Time: 6.30pm Refreshments for 7pm Start until 8:45pm Contact: Tel: (03) 9926 5761 Bonnevaux Centre for Peace Email: [email protected] Help us to complete the Vision
National Conference Thursday 10 October An Evening with Laurence Freeman OSB Friday 11 – Saturday 12 October A fundraising dinner for Bonnevaux Being Unity in a Divided World our Centre for Peace in France. Open to all. Open to all. (See advert page 18.) Santa Maria College Polding Centre Time: 6:30pm to 10.00pm • Cost: $75 50 Separation St, Northcote Veneto Club, 191 Bulleen Rd, Bulleen Full Cost $85 Fri & Sat • Friday only 7-9pm Cost $30 Contact: Jan Wylie – [email protected] • Saturday only 9.30am-3.30pm Cost $60 Registrations: [email protected] See advert page 18.
Meditatio Newsletter • June 2019 • Australian News 15 Our Pilgrimage into Meditation
by Gabby Nelson fellow meditators. Over the years I describing could be what I had have experienced gentle healing and been seeking. But when we started I sent emails and asked the growth in my walk with Jesus. I still meditating, it was soooo difficult. Queensland meditators how they have much to learn but I think I have After about two minutes, I was first found out about Christian become a kinder and more loving thinking, ‘Surely we’ll finish soon’. Meditation and what place it person, hopefully a true witness to I peeked at Pauline and thought, holds in their lives. The response the love and kindness of our Lord God ‘How embarrassing for her, she must was marvellous – this is obviously to all who seek Him’. have gone to sleep. No one could sit a topic, which touched people’s still and silent for that long’. After a hearts. I have selected some The Spirit is waiting few more minutes, I was certain she common themes and a few stories W. wrote: ‘All these years a Christian needed CPR! As we left the session, to share. and I had never experienced such we were asked to put our names on a Many people were aware that they a powerful Presence of the Holy list – I thought I might try meditation were searching for something but Spirit – in the reading and also in again at some later date, so I put my unsure of quite what that something the quietness and stillness where name on the list. The next morning, was. For quite a number of church no words are necessary because the the priest rang and asked me to lead goers, often that ‘something’ was Spirit is waiting to fill our hearts and a meditation group. My response was, in the church newsletter, either as spirits as we wait quietly.’ ‘Don’t be daft. I don’t know anything an invitation to attend a Christian about it.’ He, the wise man, said, Meditation information session or “The message for us as ‘That’s not important – all you need the notice of the CM group’s meeting meditators is to keep to do is turn up and open the door.’ time. Frequently, someone was told Having the role of leader gave me the about meditation by a friend, family advertising our groups and push I needed to do the meditation member, spiritual counsellor or health every morning at least. professional. The message for us as gatherings and to keep meditators is to keep advertising our mentioning meditation to Gabrielle’s Story groups and gatherings and to keep Gabrielle was about to retire, and she mentioning meditation to the people the people we know.” realized, from observing others, that we know. ‘God works in mysterious she needed to reclaim the essence ways’ and we can’t predict when of herself. From a young age she had we may help someone discover Most of us are slower to realize that been in a caring role, became a nurse, meditation. we have found our way home. single parent of young children etc, so always had a role to play. Now it was Daphne’s Story Joe’s Story time to reclaim ‘Gabrielle’. A friend ran Daphne was in a second-hand Joe attended a seminar at a Catholic a Christian meditation group and she bookstore. She selected one book, as school and met Fr Laurence decided to give it a go. ‘Now, 18 years she pulled it out, it dislodged another who introduced him to Christian later, meditation is integral to my life’. book which fell on the floor. That Meditation. A few years later, he met other book was John Main’s Moment Fr Laurence again and told him, ‘I have * * * * * * * of Christ. She started to flick through discovered that Christian Meditation Along with discovering their own it and realized that this was what she is not for me.’ depths, many meditators knew had been searching for. She took it ‘Why not?’ Fr Laurence asked with a they wanted to deepen their home, read it and started meditating quizzical smile. own spirituality and by joining that day and introduced her husband ‘Well, you see, I have found out that a meditation group, found the to the practice. Soon after, she saw a I am not successful at meditation at all!’ support of other like-minded Quiet Day advertised in her church Fr Laurence laughed loudly. ‘That people to be a great blessing. newsletter and they went along to it. is the very point of meditation. You They were surprised and delighted to don’t have to be successful. You just Ruth writes... find that it was Christian Meditation have to continue the journey. You are ... that she cherishes her group as her based on John Main’s teachings. They on the way!’ home group and the members as her joined a group that day. ‘Thirty-five years later’, Joe writes, valued spiritual companions. Some ‘I am still on the way’. are now very dear friends. The same is Marie’s Story true for many other people who agree Marie was invited to join a group Open the door that meditation creates community. after her husband died suddenly 20 I went to a Christian Meditation years ago. ‘I took to it at once, loved information session run by Pauline Margaret... the silence, the teaching and my Peters and thought what she was ...has had a heart condition for years,
16 Meditatio Newsletter • June 2019 • Australian News and both her cardiologists have told permeates the atmosphere. When Other things that clawed at me to her they are amazed that she is still any questions arise, which seem to retain, but simply did not work with alive. ‘I mentioned my meditation be mainly about distractions, there is the new life and had to be let go, practice to my palliative care doctor always a wise word to guide us along.’ and other things that naturally fell one day and he said, ‘That’s exactly away. These were from the simple why you are still here!’ She says that routines of life of making favourite she is very aware of the enormous food, enjoying some form of exercise, help the practice has provided. pursuing hobbies, to stopping full ‘I rely on it completely, particularly in time work and all that that might bad times. I feel I would never have mean. The process was beautiful managed without it. I fall back on and arduous at the same time. My my meditation times like an anchor, child interrupted my pattern of living supporting me no matter how I so profoundly that I could not hide feel, and am forever grateful to our behind old routines and roles... he website as I can listen to any of the stripped me of everything and gave talks and retreats at any time. me space to realise that and look at I particularly love Fr Laurence’s life as it was now. My entire being Holy Week retreat. Never miss it!’ became devoted to his life, and in his life my behaviour mirrored his. Carol... I noticed some unstable traits of ...expressed her feeling and belief in insecurity and how different parts of this haiku: my life had concealed these from me, Turn inwards. He speaks, but now with them removed, what the Teacher within. Listen! they had been concealing stared at Open your heart’s ears! me. Most profoundly, I noticed my * * * * * * * distractedness, but I perhaps did In some cases, people arrived at not have a word for it until joining Christian Meditation after trying the meditation group. Just as my various secular practices. son’s attention can waver with the slightest change in stimuli, and the Toni... parent attempts to guide him back... Amy’s reflection on Meditation ...had studied meditation particularly my mind darted off on all sorts of and Motherhood for its health benefits. ‘To later find tangents, and the word brings it He’s completely dependent on me... has such a rich history and practice in the back. In the beginning the mind was he had enough milk?... was that nap Christian tradition was a wonderful judged harshly for loosing focus and long enough?... is he okay?... he is just discovery’. marched back to the word, now the incredible... he is so innocent so pure... mind is gently guided back by the Dianne... how do people get so confused?... word. More love is felt. ...had loved her group experience of I hope I don’t hurt him in his life, I also started to notice that just as relaxing while listening to calming families can get so complicated... I was there to provide love to my son, music or readings from such spiritual would he just go to sleep already? there were times he simply would teachers as Deepak Chopra when not accept it, and how the moment she was in Perth. When the family “I’m noticing God at the he did, peace would reign. I noticed moved to Brisbane, she was looking that the struggles in my life were my for another group and chanced centre of my being and the difficulties accepting love too. God’s upon the Christian Meditation love is all around us ready to embrace website and found a local group. love that flows from him is if we are ready to recognise and When she attended the group, she growing in our home.” receive it. found the practice very different and I joined the Whitsunday Meditation challenging, and the silence to be Group roughly one year ago. My son uncomfortable and daunting, and she I have so many things to do... what was perhaps just over a year when wondered whether to stay. ‘I decided should I cook for dinner?... I got the I started. He had become the centre to persevere and so glad I did. After a washing on the line today, how funny of my being, my focus of life and while, I found myself relaxing into the that seems like an achievement now... although this is natural and good, silence and peace. I love the simplicity MA RA NA THA... I could feel an imbalance within me. of listening to the wisdom [of the CD Giving birth to a child, birthed a Since beginning meditation, harmony teachings] and then settling down new part of myself, which perhaps is being restored. I’m noticing God at into the silence. I’ve found it easier had been dormant. There were the centre of my being and the love meditating with others as we all have things from my previous life that that flows from him is growing in our the same goal, and a feeling of peace dramatically changed in that instant.
Meditatio Newsletter • June 2019 • Australian News 17 home. The changes are subtle, but something quite different: something I found ‘maranatha’ quite beyond profound. softer, quieter, warmer, slower. me (I couldn’t ‘let go’) – besides, Thank you to the meditation what did it mean? It was only much community, I am so grateful to be later someone told me it didn’t have part of this and hope to encourage “But there were moments to mean anything, that wasn’t the you all to keep going. when it all came together, point. But there were moments when it all came together, nothing weird David’s reflection: nothing weird or religious or religious but just feeling more Christian Meditation: grounded, a sense that this was how A bloke’s experience but just feeling more it could be. I’m told some people are born grounded.” The message I took from this was contemplative – but not me (I wish). that I NEEDED to do this every day. I was very masculine: out there, active, If/when I didn’t make time for this driven, fast and furious. I ran like a I wasn’t changed overnight. Many space, I lost it. Even though I have Sherman tank: get results, get real, times during meditation I thought come to depend on it, I struggle to get serious. There was no inwardness, I should be doing something more do it daily (twice daily is out of the no awareness, no understanding of practical with my precious time question). It is a work in progress. anything else. So, when I joined a – I felt I was doing nothing (true Every day I have to begin again, over meditation group (therapy), I found enough). and over and over.
Bonnevaux Centre for Peace Help us to complete the Vision A Fundraising Dinner for Bonnevaux Our New International Centre for Peace The World Community for Christian Meditation Australia invites you, your family and friends To join the community in Melbourne to hear Laurence Freeman OSB Director of The World Community for Christian Meditation share his vision for Bonnevaux
Opportunities to donate at the dinner: The Dinner: • bid on items at an auction, Date: Thursday 10 October 2019 • choose household pieces to be used in the Time: 6.30 - 10pm accommodation and kitchen areas at Bonnevaux Venue: Veneto Club, The Rialto Room, from a Giving Tree 191 Bulleen Road, Bulleen Victoria • give an amount you nominate Cost: $75 per head – includes your meal and soft drink. The bar will be open to If you are unable to join us for the dinner but wish to purchase alcohol. donate go to: www.wccmaustralia.org.au – then to the Bonnevaux page where there is an Bookings and payment by Saturday 28 September. opportunity to donate. Please also email Jan Wylie – Details on our website: [email protected] – your name and the amount donated. www.wccmaustralia.org.au
18 Meditatio Newsletter • June 2019 • Australian News Gift for Life Stillness, Silence, Simplicity and Children by Sandy Andrews WCCM Australia SA Meditation Group Leader When we think of stillness, silence and simplicity, it is hard to link these three words with a class full of school children. And yet, children and young people have a lot to teach us! Children can be still, be silent and enjoy the simplicity of meditation as has been proved in many schools. The World Community for Christian Meditation Australia has been working Dianne, Rosie, Josie, Judith, Lynda at the Meditation with children and young people meeting. hard to introduce children to Christian Meditation over many years. The work and experience is our main resource. every day for a few minutes. They were has been fruitful, and many school We will be talking to teachers and soon demanding their meditation children and school teachers have encouraging them to introduce time, and some children who found reported the benefits in all areas of regular daily meditation practice to it hard, are now finding it easier after school life. their own students. regular practice. I was given a beautiful In SA we have a group of people I am a volunteer at a local state card from all the students thanking interested in helping to take Christian primary school, listening to reading me for “teaching our teacher and our Meditation into more schools and and working one to one with some class to meditate.” One said “Thank you churches in SA. We have begun the students for 2 hours each week. for the stress relief”, another “thank journey with Gift for Life training led Through my connection with the you for the peace and quiet”. It was by Mirella Pace (National Coordinator school, I asked if I could talk to unexpected and very humbling. The WCCM Australia) and Penny Sturrock teachers about meditation, and this teacher said “Thanks for giving up (National Coordinator for Meditation has resulted in me leading a weekly your time to provide my students and with Children and Young People), meditation group with some of the I with another strategy and option for along with teachers from various teachers for half an hour. I call it Good managing our wellbeing. My students Christian schools around the state. In Heart Meditation as it has to be secular, demand that we have meditation each May the group met to take the next and emphasize how we can connect morning and I have seen a positive step in our journey to make us ready to our good, compassionate heart in impact across the class following.” to share the Gift for Life if called upon the silence which benefits ourselves With all the bullying, distractedness, to do so. This included making sure as well as others. I also remind them stress and frantic pace of our schools, we have police checks and mandatory there is no such thing as a “good” wouldn’t it be wonderful if more reporting training up to date. Next or “bad” meditation – there is just children in more schools could start month many of us will attend the Gift meditation and we just have to turn simply, silently and in stillness, to for Life Training – Christian Meditation up. Also, we are all beginners every connect to each other and Holy – Revolution or Renaissance? again time we sit to meditate. One of the Mystery. That is our hope for the led by Mirella and Penny. We were teachers introduced his year 6/7 class future. We only have to plant a little all reminded that our own practice to meditation last term. They practice seed in a small way.
As Christ walks with us into the schools, ministering through our presence, and all, I would like to emphasize how important our role will be by being interpersonally and simply present to each young soul as they truly experience the wonder of who they are confirmed by our loving calm attention and the gaze of Christ’s light shining on them through us by faith in the preparation and practice. Rosemary Raymond.
Meditatio Newsletter • June 2019 • Australian News 19 Our People at Wccm Australia
National Coordinator Mirella Pace 0408 470 114 [email protected] National Secretary Joan McKeegan National Coordinators for Younger Christian Meditators National Donna Mulhearn NSW Lillian Leigh Queensland Andrea Randall Victoria TBA School of Meditation Kath Houston Meditation with Children and Young People Penny Sturrock Oblates of WCCM Gloria Duffy Friends Judi and Paul Taylor Bookshop Joe Panetta Newsletter Editor Vikki McDonough [email protected] State and Territory Coordinators Queensland Gabby Nelson New South Wales Jan Wylie ACT Rod and Susan Page South Australia Dianne Schaefer Victoria Clara Rizzi Tasmania Marion Ramsay and Joy Hayes (contact Reps.) Northern Territory Sue Woods Western Australia Jenni Berg
www.wccmaustralia.org.au www.wccmaustralia.org.au Newsletter Design Ivan Smith
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20 Meditatio Newsletter • June 2019 • Australian News