The Province Silent Retreat for 2025 took place at Mary McKillop Spirituality Centre, Baulkham Hills on 8th -10th August. The facilitator was Sr Cath Lloyd RSCJ from the UK. The 40 participants included Sisters, members of province, school boards, staff and Sancta Sophia college.
The theme was ‘Returning to our Source and Centre – A contemporary retreat with Sophie’. This is a significant year for the Sacred Heart family, as important structural changes in the Society begin, and celebrations of the centenary of the canonisation of Madeleine Sophie Barat take place. The retreat offered a return to the roots and centre of the Society’s spirituality. Participants were invited to contemplate God’s heart, which is the source of our life and strength, and to follow that path accompanied by the wisdom and strength of Sophie.
There were many opportunities for retreatants to explore their own path, using a variety of methods, and the venue provided ideal spaces in nature and for solitude. Sr Cath’s presentations, using a moving combination of music, words and images, acted as a powerful stimulus for personal reflection.
Mass was celebrated on Saturday evening in the main chapel at Mary McKillop, with Fr Kevin Walsh presiding. The Gospel of the day from Luke reminded all to ‘be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.’
At the conclusion of our final session on Sunday, the silence was broken, and joyous conversation filled the meeting room. After lunch there were warm farewells as participants departed in their cars or boarded the bus to return to homes and families after a significant weekend away.
Christine Hannan
Mission Co-ordinator