A New Springtime of Josephite Life

Mary MacKillop Place 7-14th September 2008

Retreat Directors: Bridie O’Connell, Therese Quinn, Lynette Young, Therese McGarry.

The final songline from our closing Eucharist “…(we) have known mystery” crystallises the experience of our journeying together through the four seasons of our Josephite Life. It was indeed the realm of mystery which became the horizon for the seasonal landscapes of our personal and Congregational stories. Our journey into the Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter themes created a rich symphony of unity through diversity. The group emerged into a “fifth season” entitled ‘ A New Springtime’, chanting an amazing new melody - the unsung song that has haunted all of us.

The Overture: our Opening Ritual gathered around the campfire in this sacred space of Alma Cottage. There we honoured our spiritual ancestry – Indigenous, Celtic and Josephite. We felt privileged to breathe the living spirit which surrounded us at Mary MacKillop Place.

The Crescendo Moment: our Celebration of Reconciliation gathered at the Well from Mary’s time. This included a statement of reconciliation for the prejudices and misunderstandings of the past, followed by the entire group’s exchanging the sign of peace with sincerity and passion.

The Adagio Piece: moments of insight and awakening as the authentic stories around the separation were broken open with an honest acknowledgement of the inherent pain.

The Andante Space: the cross-fertilization of individual and group stories. These celebrated the living history of the Sisters gathered (in particular a Goulburn Sister who personally knew their Founding Woman.)

Our Retreat setting with its transcendent focus enabled individuals to listen and engage more freely with the shared history and the mystery it contains. A genuine search for the truth behind our key questions “Who am I?” and “Who are my people?” generated an irrepressible energy throughout the three sessions, as well as Eucharist, each day. From this exceptionally graced experience we all emerged with a stronger appreciation and sense of what it means to be Josephite.

This is just a sample of Evaluation comments made by Sisters at the conclusion of Retreat:

What was the overall experience of Retreat like for you?

“It was a wonderful experience that has opened the closed and negative doors which kept us apart. There is a sense of great compassion, reverence and forgiveness for past events and tremendous hope for future oneness of heart”.
“Thank you for a truly invigorating experience of what it is to be Josephite! For me it was a good mix of background history and personal reflection and sharing”.
“For me this has been a marvellous time to reflect on our Josephite Journey – to share stories and experiences, look into the misunderstandings of the past, journey with Mary and Julian and look forward to the future with great hope”.
“This has been a most life-giving time… It was inspiring, challenging, prayer-filled and God centred. I praise the Spirit for her gifts to you both. Especially I appreciated the warm interaction”.
A gracious, provident gift of God made possible through our two Flutes or voyagers – Shamen, I mean Sha-women. Cosmic God moving us on – “in God’s time”. Presence of Julian and Mary in this place. I met the wonderful Teresa McD. I could grieve and apologise for any “disdaining”.
This retreat has opened my eyes, my ears and my heart…for the first time in my life I have grasped the pain and suffering in the lives of Mary and Julian. The “Josephite Spirit” has come alive for me.

What was most helpful?

“Sharing in the mystery of all that has emerged from the beginning. Re-gathering our Sisterhood and re-membering. Walking in the footsteps of Mary and Julian. At the end of each presentation morn and evening – questions to ponder – very helpful. All the Quotes very helpful”.
“Everything!! E.g. The many ways I was enabled to grow in understanding and acceptance of the past – cherishing the sufferings and crosses of Mary and Julian AND their relationship. I felt I “got to know them” as persons – that will live and grow in me, thanks to your ingenious ways of bringing them alive.”
“The gracious input of prose, poetry, music and history given by deeply spiritual Sisters. Openness and sharing among the group, so rich in diversity, by women of great faith and with a common spirit. Willingness to be one “to go on”.
“The gradual unfolding of my story / ours / mystery moderated through symbols (seasonal), visuals, stories, reflection, involvement and ‘space’. The Reconciliation – especially the sign of peace. Resolution of and explanation of some historical misconceptions / mysteries”.
It is hard to single out one aspect. I appreciated the prayerful, retreat atmosphere, the very helpful input, the very special quotes from Mary and Julian, the honest naming of the pain around the separation and the reconciliation rite/ritual.