By Mrs Terry Brennan

I recently attended a spiritual input weekend at Hyning Hall Monastery, Carnforth, a beautiful old convent set in woodland. Fr. Stephen Wright, an Ampleforth monk and Jo Busby, a prayer guide, led us through the Emmaus journey using the scriptures first and then relating the journey to our own lives and spiritual paths.

This evolved into a very useful and insightful way of reflecting on our past experiences, where we are now, and our hopes/aims for the future. Jo Busby then encouraged us to find a place on our own and with prayerful reflection note down our experiences whether negative or positive, sad, joyful or in need of healing. It was at this stage that I relived a very sad experience from my past, that required acceptance, healing and courage to move forward with renewed hope and understanding for the future. It was a God given opportunity to look at myself ‘warts and all’, with His love and compassion, rather than my usual critical, negative and demanding way. Many of us found this to be a fruitful exercise. We then followed the Disciple’s Emmaus journey by sharing our newly discovered experiences with one other person in the group, being extremely beneficial and healing to both of us. It opened up new avenues and ways of understanding our personal journey throughout our lives.

Apart from this personal renewal, the warm atmosphere and fellowship that developed over the days was a delight to witness, and some good friendships were made. The power of prayer was always present – be it spontaneous or structured. On the last evening there was a Healing Ministry for all those who felt the need to partake, and many of us took grateful advantage of Fr. Stephen’s ministry and team, and I was fortunate enough to again receive a grace-filled experience of compassion, mercy and strength.

Finally, we took home with us a vision of what a true community should be like, where respect for each other and a non-judgmental acceptance of each other, would enable us to follow the example of Jesus reflected in the Gospels.

At this point I must thank the Nuns for their excellent hospitality, friendship, and angelic singing in their beautiful chapel, which was described by one of our group as ‘like being in heaven’.