Heart of Life Centre, Siloam, Spiritual Direction Program, 2020, Graduation.
2020 and Covid-19 has been a very difficult year for us all – but, especially, in Melbourne with so much lockdown, especially from July to November. It meant that, apart from February, Siloam was a Zoom course this year.
Our participants in the full-time program came from India (an SVD and an SDB priest), a Columban from the Philippines, a Carmelite from East Timor. There were seven fulltime participants and four completing the second year of the part-time program.
Previously, we celebrated Graduation with a Mass at St Paschal’s Box Hill. But, with our having to move out of Box Hill this year, we were offered hospitality by the Anglican Church of St George in Malvern. But with prohibition of gathering, our spiritual directors had to do their work and study by distance and online,
Just weeks ago, we were regretting that we could not meet to end the year.
However, Melbourne coming through the pandemic restrictions, it seemed something like a small miracle that we (staff and participants) could actually gather at St George’s hall. It was last Monday, the first day when more than 20 people could gather. We had a ceremony, readings and prayer and the presentation of certificates. Paul Castley presided.
Director of Heart of Life, Paul Beirne, presided. While photos were taken, the ceremony was filmed for the many family members who could not attend, from Australia, bur, especially from overseas.
Dora (Theodora) Ghaitidis is a member of the Greek Orthodox Church
Rowan M. Luza cmf is from the Philippines but works in the Melbourne parish of Ardeer
Each of the participants presented and spoke to a symbol of the year. Each of the participants received a Graduation Certificate.
Sue McGovern RSJ is from Adelaide
Heart of Life is an MSC ministry. Paul Castley has been on the direction team for the Spiritual Leaders’ program. Peter Malone is responsible for the Religious Experience unity. Philip Malone represented the Provincial. Robyn Reynolds is responsible for several courses, including Grace.
Robyn Reynolds OLSH
Musician and singer, Maria Forde, composed a special hymn, Heart of Life – we will feature the lyrics and the music in the coming week.
A happy ending for a challenging year at Heart of Life.
Despite the masks.
