14 October 2022 · 2022-10 newsletter
This was the theme for the Women’s Reflection Day held on Saturday 10th September
There were 50 ladies in attendance, from many parts of Sydney. We were blessed with a warm day even though rain had been predicted.
Sr Mary Louise led the day, reflecting on some of the Sorrows in Mary’s life and looking at how we understand and cope with the sorrows that we have in our own lives. She looked at:
Jesus lost in the Temple. After three days travelling Mary and Joseph realise that Jesus is not with them. This is every parent’s nightmare – to lose a child. To Mary it was a sign of things to come. Mary meeting Jesus as He carries the Cross. Mary is witnessing the cruelty Her Son is going through, but she stands by Him. Mary knows who Jesus really is. When have I had to live with something unjust? Mary had to live with this also. Mary standing at the foot of the Cross – Mary taking Jesus’ Body down from the Cross.
When we celebrate Good Friday, we know that the Resurrection is near. Mary did not know this, but had to trust in God the Father. How do I apply sorrows in my life? Mary shows signs of strength during her sorrows. This is an example for us during the sorrows in our life. What do we do with our sorrows? Sorrows are a normal part of daily life. No one can live without sorrows; they bring us closer to God as we usually pray more fervently during this time. Suffering is a strength for us, it makes us who we are. We can learn from our hardships. Mary can reverse what is happening to us at this time.
After this session there was time for morning tea, time for personal reflection and the opportunity for Reconciliation. We had recently ordained Fr Andrew Rooney come to hear Confessions and say our midday Mass for us.
After lunch Sr. Mary Louise spoke about “Mary – Undoer of Knots”. (Pope Francis).
We are always in Mary’s company. How do we solve our problems? Mary can inspire me. When we find something that is lost – Mary helps. How are we with our Faith? Are we grateful to find things lost, especially our Faith. Do I search for God in my daily Life? Do I reflect at the end of each day to see where God has been with me?
Our faith has been gravely tested during these last few years. Have we been able to ride these times through knowing that God is with us? God’s Grace is always there for us to connect with. Spend some time each day totally alone so that you can truly speak to God and listen to Him.
We then listened to and reflected on the “Ten Secrets of Happiness” by Pope Francis.
- Live and Let Live.
- Be giving of yourself to others.
- Proceed calmly.
- Develop a healthy sense of leisure.
- Make Sunday a holy day.
- Create jobs for young people.
- Respect and take care of nature.
- Stop being negative.
- Respecting other’s beliefs.
- Work for Peace.
We concluded the day with a devotion of thanksgiving. Then a final cup of tea/coffee before the journey home and back to reality.
Anne Walsh
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