Another successful Community Teaching Seminar was held at Connell Hall, last Saturday, May 9th, 2015. Father Paul Lehman lectured on “Contemplative Praying” and Patrick McGrail from the Singles Ministry, presented an overview of the “Cloud of Unknowing,” an anonymous work of Christian mysticism written in the latter half of the 14th century. This text from the Middle Ages is considered as the spiritual guide on contemplative prayer.
Also, Father expounded a bit more on the book The Interior Castle (or The Mansions), written by St. Teresa of Ávila in 1577, as a guide for spiritual development through service and prayer. This was inspired by her vision of the soul as a crystal globe in the shape of a castle containing seven mansions, which she interpreted as the journey of faith through seven stages, ending in union with God.
Fr. Paul had started with the definition and meaning of “Lectio Divina.” - a form of prayer that is Spirit led and used primarily in our quiet or personal prayer time, hence, the word “contemplative.”
There was a good mix of attendees from married couples, singles and solo parents, among the 60 who attended (although not an overwhelming number, victorious nonetheless).. Interactions were very engaging and there were many questions.
Below are some comments from some of those who were there:
- “It was an overwhelming success that we did not anticipate. The topic was well received and very appropriate for BLD, being that it is a charismatic group.”
- “There was a lively exchange between presenters and the attendees. Questions were asked and answered.”
- “The presentation was very good, but would have been more effective if broken down into several teachings. There’s just so much information… and certainly deep. The teaching itself is really great.”
Fr. Paul had started with the definition and meaning of “Lectio Divina.” - a form of prayer that is Spirit led and used primarily in our quiet or personal prayer time, hence, the word “contemplative.”
There was a good mix of attendees from married couples, singles and solo parents, among the 60 who attended (although not an overwhelming number, victorious nonetheless).. Interactions were very engaging and there were many questions.
Below are some comments from some of those who were there:
- “It was an overwhelming success that we did not anticipate. The topic was well received and very appropriate for BLD, being that it is a charismatic group.”
- “There was a lively exchange between presenters and the attendees. Questions were asked and answered.”
- “The presentation was very good, but would have been more effective if broken down into several teachings. There’s just so much information… and certainly deep. The teaching itself is really great.”