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Dear <<First Name>>
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Who needs Spiritual Direction?
Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and the Gospel is the roadmap for our life as disciples. Walking with Him, listening to Him, imitating Him is the surest way of reaching our destination, which is union with God in love. It’s a great adventure, but the road has many twists and turns, and as time goes by we come to realize that we need all the help we can get along the way.
The Scriptures, the Sacraments, and all the riches of the Church’s tradition, are sources of grace, light and healing. From the earliest centuries of the Church being guided by someone experienced in the spiritual life has been essential to one’s growth in holiness. The monastic traditions of both East and West emphasized the role of the spiritual father, or mother, who initiated their novices into the life of prayer and in the practice of charity, self-denial and conversion.
Regular spiritual direction is a school of humility and self-knowledge, without which I cannot discern rightly or know the will of God for me. It is a powerful means of revealing and healing my false images of God. Indeed, our capacity for self-deception in the spiritual life is endless! We are blind guides when it comes to ourselves! But God gives light through a humble disclosure of our inner life to a spiritual director, or confessor. “To go towards the Lord, we always need a guide, a dialogue. We cannot do it with our thoughts alone.” Benedict XVI
Be encouraged, then to not neglect your own soul! The Holy Spirit is the true director of your soul, so ask him for a spiritual director, or mentor, if you don’t have one. It’s a great grace to be accompanied in our walk with God.
“In one’s life there will be no lack of shadows and also weaknesses. This is the moment for personal spiritual direction. If one speaks with confidence, if one explains one’s interior struggles with simplicity, one will always make progress, and there will be no obstacle or temptation that will succeed in separating us from Christ.” John Paul II
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Testimony:
"Spiritual Direction has been essential to my spiritual growth. I have found it really beautiful and it has taken my relationship with Jesus, the faith, and the church to a deeper level. It has been very instrumental in times of desolation and has been a really important part of my faith journey, especially when making decisions and pursuing God as a lay person in my day to day life.
I would push anyone who is making a big life decision to seek guidance from a spiritual director as well as anyone who wants to journey deeper into their faith to find a personal spiritual director."
- Mary Goulding
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Spiritual accompaniment is available at the Community of the Beatitudes. If you would like to talk with us about how to arrange spiritual accompaniment, please approach one of our sisters or priests or contact us via email: retreats@fourviere.nzGREAT NEWS! There are still limited spaces on the August and October "Little Triduum" Retreats
To book either type of retreat or to discuss your personal needs, please email us today! retreats@fourviere.nz
From Friday 25th to Sunday 27th August 2023 OR
From Friday 27th to Sunday 29th October 2023
(Places are still available on both sets of dates, but not for long! BOOK NOW) In your email, let Sr Giovanna Maria know which dates you would prefer and leave your full name and contact details.
What is a "Little triduum Retreat?Join the Beatitudes Community as they celebrate a "little Triduum". The Triduum commemorates the days of the pascal mystery - from the supper of the Lord, through His cross to His resurrection on the third day. What happens?Book a stay at the St Joseph Retreat House or Hermitages and spend the weekend in retreat... details on our website. beatitudes.nz |
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Coming up... August 15th is the feast of the Assumption of Mary.
This is a very special day for New Zealand. Bishop Pompallier, one of the first Catholic missionaries and first bishop of Oceania put New Zealand under the patronage of Mary assumed into Heaven.
This coming Tuesday (15th August), you are invited to join us for Holy Mass. Please feel free to make of it a family pilgrimage. We invite you to bring with you a favourite image or statue of Mary. If you live by, you might consider walking to the Sanctuary with your statue singing some Marian hymns.
After the Mass we will process to the Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Light and consecrate ourselves to Mary.
We hope to see you there. Feel free to stay for a shared lunch at the 12 Stars pilgrim shelter.
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We need your help!
Please consider becoming a regular benefactor of the Life and Mission of the Beatitudes in New Zealand! Our work is totally dependent on the support of ordinary people like you!
<<First Name>>, we need your help to continue to offer support to vulnerable people, serve the community with retreats and good formation and to maintain and develop a beautiful sanctuary of Mary.
This is Mary's place and this is your place. Please follow the link below to set up a regular weekly or monthly offering. No amount is too small. Please give according to your means.
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Don't forget, you are invited to a personal 8 day retreat with the Word of God!
Book your dates today - details below...
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