What is Eco-Spirituality?
Led by Mercy nun, Sister Veronica Lawson.
Held at St Matthew's Anglican Church, Wendouree
Showing posts with label Retreats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Retreats. Show all posts
Friday, 13 July 2018
Friday, 2 February 2018
Coptic nuns establish their first monastery in Australia
Coptic Christian nuns 'dead to the world' establish first monastery in Australia for women to foster spiritual life
Updated Wed at 7:45am
PHOTO: Mothers Antonia (L) and Veronica at the Woodend manor that is now a Coptic monastery. (ABC Central Victoria: Larissa Romensky)
To read the story on the ABC site & see more of Larissa Romensky's beautiful photography please go here
When Mothers Antonia and Veronica first stepped out in their head-to-toe black religious habits on the streets of Woodend, people would stop and stare.
With only their faces and hands exposed it was an unusual sight for many of the locals.
"It's human nature to look at something that's different. We don't mind if people look at us," Mother Antonia said.
"The body is no longer important, how we look is not important.
"We've died to the world. Everything that the world offers we are not a part of," Mother Veronica said.
Living a cloistered life means the nuns rarely leave their newly created Archangel Michael Monastery in central Victoria, except when necessary.
"We avoid it as much as possible," Mother Antonia said.
The monastery is also a retreat for women, for those wanting to "foster a spiritual life with God".
"To find some peace in a world where peace is slowly diminishing," Mother Antonia said.
The 20-room monastery is set on 18-acres of bushland and features a large 1920s manor house and garden designed by Edna Walling.
While the monastery is currently only inhabited by the two nuns, many of Melbourne's Coptic Orthodox Diocese members are regular visitors.
Copts' long history of persecution
One of the oldest Christian churches in the world, the Coptic Orthodox Church began in Egypt in the middle of the 1st Century and has survived a long history of persecution dating back to the Romans.
Who are Egypt's Coptic Christians? Why are their churches being bombed? And why doesn't the Government do anything about it? Some questions explained.
Coptic Christians, also known as Copts, continue to be the target of violent assaults in a Muslim-majority, modern Egypt.
The largest ethno-religious minority there, they make up 10 per cent of the country's 95 million people.
In Australia, there are about 30,000 Copts — the third largest Coptic community in the world.
While both Mother Antonia and Veronica were from the Monastery of St Demiana in Egypt, home to 170 nuns, there are very few Coptic nuns in Australia.
However, Mother Antonia is hopeful more women will join, with about three young women expressing an interest.
"[But] they need to be sure that this is the life they want. It's not just a decision made on whim," Mother Antonia said.
Nun an 'ordinary Aussie kid'
Australian-born Mother Antonia was raised a Copt and described herself as an "ordinary Aussie kid".
At the age of 16, she started attending church more often when the idea of becoming a nun "popped" into her head.
With no monastery in Australia, Antonia travelled to Egypt to fulfil her wish.
"It's a calling from God, it's something he puts inside your heart," Mother Antonia said.
In her late twenties she "died" in order to begin her life as a nun.
Lying on the ground covered in large red cloth, she emerged with her hair cut in the shape of a cross, dressed in black, and wearing a leather girdle.
For 13 years she has worn the black tunic and cowl, while Mother Veronica has worn the habit for the past eight years.
More than the clothing, their complete and utter devotion to Christ means the women have given up all "earthly desires", even birthdays are not celebrated.
Instead, they celebrate the day of consecration.
The Coptic Church is stricter than some other churches as virginity is necessary, unlike that for women who decide to become Catholic nuns later in life.
"It's something you willingly commit to at a very early age," Antonia said.
Egyptian born Mother Veronica's journey to becoming a nun began at the age of ten when she first saw a nun.
The persistent 14-year-old turned up at the monastery only to be told she was too young, and when she revisited years later as a university student she was told to return upon the completion of her degree.
She was among 13 women wanting to become nuns, with only two chosen.
"I don't know why they chose me," she said.
"I knew that if they said yes to me that this is what God wants."
The strict vows of chastity, poverty and obedience were further put to the test with a with a three-year probation period before becoming a nun.
While Veronica admitted to struggling in the first few years she got "stronger" with the support of the other nuns.
When Christ becomes everything to you
Life for the two is spent in daily prayer, contemplation, the reading of the bible and other religious texts.
Their days are bookended by two daily, lengthy communal prayer sessions — one at 4:00am and the other at 4:30pm — interspersed with individual daily prayer time alone in their private quarters.
The rest of the day filled with a variety of activities from making wooden crosses to greeting guests and overseeing the property which includes cooking, cleaning and gardening.
"Our life is to completely focus on Christ," Mother Antonia said.
"When Christ becomes everything to you and he's the only thing that's important to you he fills every void that could have ever existed in your life.
"You don't wish you could have human intimacy, you don't wish you could have children. You don't want these things, you don't actually desire them."
Wednesday, 10 January 2018
Sink Down to the Seed - spiritual renewal at the Quaker Centre, Silver Wattle
Sink Down to the Seed
(led by Sheila Keane & Drew Thomas)
is coming up at Silver Wattle on 23 Feb - 1 March.
Sheila Keane
Drew Thomas
In other words, it’s about spirit led living. Or, as Isaac says,
Give over thine own willing;
give over thine own running;
give over thine own desiring
to know or to be anything;
and sink down to the seed
which God sows in the heart,
and let that grow in thee,
and be in thee,
and breathe in thee,
and act in thee,
and thou shalt find by sweet experience
that the Lord knows that,
and loves and owns that,
and will lead it to
the inheritance of life,
which is its portion.
Isaac Pennington 1661
Saturday, 8 July 2017
Jewish Christian Muslim Association Winter Conference - Faith & Society - 6/7 August 2017
Jews, Christians & Muslims seeking interaction and dialogue with one another in a safe environment are invited to attend the JCMA Winter Conference on the theme "Faith and Society".
Date: Sunday 2.00pm 6th August – 5.30pm 7th August
Venue: St Paul's Retreat Centre, Norton's Lane, Wantirna South
Cost: $160
For more information Click here
Why a JCMA Conference?
JCMA was established in 2004 to
(a) to draw together members of the Abrahamic faiths in mutual respect, seeking to appreciate each other and to heal ancient wounds, pledging mutual support in times of stress and engaging in dialogue in all its aspects;
(b) to organise conferences and other activities for the purpose of learning about each other’s faith, of sharing personal experience, and of discussing issues of concern within their own faith communities and within the broader society.
The Annual JCMA Conference is modelled on the annual residential conference of Jews, Christians and Muslims in Europe and is supported by major religious institutions within each faith community.
The conference is held in a relaxing environment conducive to both personal reflection and warm, open meetings and discussions.
Who is it for?
• JCMA conferences are intended for people of all ages who are members of one of the three Abrahamic faith communities, Judaism, Christianity and Islam and is supported by major religious institutions within each faith community.
• Participants include men and women, young and old, lay and clergy, academics and students, and those working in community or welfare roles.
• All participants are asked to agree to the JCMA Principles of Dialogue http://jcma.org.au/
• All participants, speakers and discussion group leaders are asked to attend the full conference from 2pm on Sunday 6 August to 5:30 pm on Monday 7 August. For most participants this will include residential accommodation overnight.
• Anyone who subscribes to the aims and purpose of the conference are encouraged to register their interest, but registration of interest does not guarantee a place in the conference. Final place offers will be made by the Conference Committee.
Registration of Interest
1. If you would like to attend the 2017 JCMA Winter Conference, we ask that you apply by filling in a “registration of interest” online at https://
2. The Conference Planning Committee will review each registration of interest before offering a place in the Conference to the selected applicants
3. When you are notified that your application to attend has been approved, you will receive an email directing you to an Eventbrite site where you can pay the Conference fee of $160.
4. Further details of the event and the program will then be provided by email.
You can call Ginette Everest 0n 03 9287 5590 for more information.
Ginette Everest
Executive Officer
Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA)
JCMA relies on the goodwill of volunteers and the generosity of our donors.
Donations are tax deductible. Please go to JCMA Donation to make a donation.
Usual Working days: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays
Address: 383 Albert St., East Melbourne Vic 3002
( (03) 9287 5590 / Mobile: 0400 211 221
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Sunday, 14 February 2016
Sacred Pilgrimage and Devotional Meditation Retreat with Babaji Baldev Singh at Bulandpuri (Spiritual Light House), Pubjab India
Sacred Pilgrimage and Devotional Meditation Retreat with Babaji Baldev Singh
Bulandpuri (Spiritual Light House), Punjab, India.
March 29 through April 14, 2016
Free
Babaji Baldev Singh welcomes anyone who comes with a true and sincere desire to merge with the Divine, manifest his/her destiny and flower into our true potential to celebrate Life and serve Creation. The most magnificent sweet, loving divine presence flows abundantly here to melt our hearts and tenderly touch each of our cells to blossom into truth and manifest their Destiny.
Come share with us this precious opportunity to visit the Spiritual Light House, Bulandpuri in Punjab, India and sit in meditation and receive teachings from Babaji Baldev Singh who will guide us back to our truth and help us attune ourselves to the Divine so that we may serve others.
Babaji Baldev Singh is the present embodiedment of a long line of Saints going back to the original teachings of Guru Nanak.
He speaks perfect English, since he lived and studied in Canada in his youth. His humility and selfless service are truly immaculate. He spends all his time in service to countless people in many countries who come to him for help, healing and above all, a safe, loving, sweet path to merge with G-D and fulfill their life's purpose.
You may visit him at Bulandpuri Spiritual-Light-House, an ashram-like complex with Temple, school, comfortable and safe lodging facilities, kitchen, etc, in the Punjab, India.
Babaji speaks perfect English. Bulandpuri has all the conveniences to make your stay comfortable, clean and safe. Miguel Kavlin & Carmen Castañeda will be there to host and accompany and take care of you and will also translate into Spanish.
There will be visits to the Golden Temple, Anandpur Sahib and other sacred sites of the Sikh Gurus and Saints. You may also extend and visit, on your own, other sites in North India, Rajastan, Taj Mahal, etc.
Contact via email:
Friday, 3 July 2015
Thursday, 30 January 2014
Courses, retreats and community among Friends at Silver Wattle. There might be something there just foryou.
The Religious Society of Friends (commonly known as Quakers)
has a study centre called Silver Wattle
situated near Bungendore in NSW - just 45 minutes from Canberra, ACT.
It is a beautiful setting on Lake George (its Aboriginal name is Weereewa).
Below is the latest newsletter from Co-Directors David and Trish Johnson.
Monday, 11 November 2013
In retreat - no, not going backwards or running away. Rather - stretching ourselves for the journey ahead!
On 2 November, the Ballarat Interfaith Network had a Retreat Day at the rural property of our Chair, Elham. It was beautiful. Some of us don't experience such a concept in our own traditions. Others of us are well used to the concept.
Our Wise Guide was Frank Purcell who is President of Shepparton Interfaith Network. He is the one on left of the photograph. Frank is a very learned man and his knowledge of his own faith and the need for interfaith networks and activities is substantial. We learned a lot.
It was a good preparation for The Tree of Life Project and all the wonderful things we want to do for nine days under that banner.
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