Editorial. A Newsletter of Scottish Ignatian Groups JULY Issue No. 10 IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY IN SCOTLAND IN SCOTLAND

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1 IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY IN SCOTLAND IN SCOTLAND A Newsletter of Scottish Ignatian Groups JULY 2012 Issue No. 10 General Editor: Eileen Cassidy snd, Ignatian Spirituality Centre, 35 Scott Street, Glasgow, G3 6PE eileen.cassidy@iscglasgow.co.uk Editorial The Easter cycle of the church s liturgical year from which we have recently emerged is, among other things, a celebration of the full humanity of Jesus, re-united with God after a life of self-effacing love. It is also an opportunity to contemplate Jesus first followers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as they try to assimilate that way of living, a way that they recognised as authentic at some very deep level. There is a sense then that Easter/Pentecost is a vindication of this way of living and a vindication of who we are as human beings. We are in essence creatures of self-emptying love: we come into being by the self-emptying love of God and our parents; we become the fullness of who we are through the self-emptying love of others; and each one of us has the potential for this kind of love and for helping others towards the fullness of who they are. In a society where there is an erosion of trust in and respect for institutions, whether these be governments, banks, police, the media, or churches, it seems simplistic to say that there is an absence of self-emptying love. But this absence seems to be at the root of many factors that contribute to the erosion of trust and respect. To name but a few: it s behind the greed that leads to reckless risk-taking; behind the insecurity that encourages people to find their identity in status and material possessions; behind the blindness that identifies leadership with power and control; and behind the fear that prevents otherwise good people in these institutions from exposing the wrongs that they perceive. While it s clear that the general public is wakening up to the greed and fear factors at the institutional level, if not always at a contributory personal level, it s less clear that we have made the connections with the blindness and insecurity factors. Yet it doesn t take too much reflection to be able to see these connections. There are many examples. Though much could be written about the authority of Jesus, it s sufficient to note here that, though powerless, unlike those who condemned him, Jesus had a clear twofold authority. He had an inner authority that came from his identity as a self-effacing being, that gave him his security, and that intrigued Pilate. And he had an external authority that was symbolized by the apron, jug of water, basin and towel of a servant-leader, rather than trappings of status and power, and that was granted him by his followers because of his transparency and authenticity as a human being and because they recognised in him their own potentiality. Oscar Romero clearly had this kind of authority in El Salvador: he was without power, but had authority, unlike the military regime which had power but no authority. In South Africa Nelson Mandela s authority was eventually recognised by the apartheid regime which trusted him to make a non-violent transition to democracy. In the United States, Martin Luther King s authority galvanized the black community to demand and win their civil rights without violence. And most recently the story of Aung San Suu Kyi is the story of a woman with authority, even when a prisoner, an authority that she won from her people by her self-effacing love, that stood in stark contrast to the power of the Burmese Regime and that is now recognised by them, even if only for pragmatic reasons. In these days of suspicion and doubt of public institutions, it serves us well to reflect on our identity as human beings, the kind of authority to which we aspire, and the kind of leadership that we exercise. This newsletter witnesses to many individuals making use of opportunities for this kind of reflection. Eileen Cassidy snd

2 2 CELEBRATING ELIZABETH It is said sometimes said that gratitude is the memory of the heart. And many heartexpanding memories were shared as Epiphany Group members and supporters gathered in Edinburgh, at the Gillis Centre, on 30 May to mark Elizabeth South s retiral from her role as the group s Co-ordinator. From its inception in 2000, Elizabeth guided and encouraged this geographically scattered and nomadic group into becoming what it is today, a vibrant group of Ignatian guides and practitioners, apostolic in mission and outlook. Reaching out to people of the twenty first century, the Epiphany Group has always been a model of ecumenical collaboration as well as being a welcoming resource to those whose search for God is sincere but non-aligned. In ways both personal and role-related, Elizabeth has embodied this welcome and embrace. In reciprocation, the lively gathering at Gillis was a fitting tribute to Elizabeth and her 12 years of wise and faithful leadership, a role she exercised alongside Core Committee members - numbering 20 over the years - to whom she paid tribute as generous collaborators and colleagues. Those who have served with Elizabeth on the Core Committee over the years can vouch not only for her fidelity and wisdom but also for her sense of humour and genuine delight in others gifts and talents. In fact, one of her personal gifts has been to encourage others in the use of their gifts. And so, in recognition of all that she has given to the growth and development of the Epiphany Group, members and friends, both present and unable to attend, offered some very tangible gifts of gratitude. From the deep store of members creativity and generosity, Elizabeth was presented with a beautiful book of memories. Appropriately entitled An Elizabethan Tapestry, it drew together a lovely mix of personal reminiscences of key moments and events as well as offering insights into what made and makes Elizabeth s 12 years of service so deeply appreciated. Following the presentation of the memory book came the gift of a poem in honour of Margaret of Scotland, one of Elizabeth s favourite saints. Composed for the occasion and recited by the Epiphany Group s published poet, it had been beautifully scripted in calligraphy by another member and then mounted and framed. All who know Elizabeth know how much she loves flowers! Therefore, no presentation could be complete without a magnificent bouquet of flowers in Epiphany Group colours. To round off the presentation and the warm and encouraging words of Gero McLoughlin SJ Elizabeth received a cheque which it is hoped she will enjoy spending in due course. As the Core Committee reflected at its recent meeting, it was wonderful to have had the opportunity to come together to share good company, good news, and good food; to celebrate Elizabeth - with her husband George, with members of the Society of Jesus, Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart, the team from the Ignatian Centre, Glasgow, and Epiphany Group members from all parts of Scotland. To adapt a quote from Dag Hammarskjold: Elizabeth, for all that has been, thanks; for all that is still to come, thanks too. - - Barbara Buda

3 3 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS THE COACH HOUSE, KILMUIR In the last newsletter we shared with you the history and development of the ministry of the Coach House. It now gives us great pleasure to share with you some of the highlights of the 20 th anniversary celebrations. On the weekend of May 26th and 27th friends gathered from near and far to join us in our thanksgiving celebrations. For weeks beforehand we had puzzled over how we might accommodate more than 40 people in our relatively small premises - if the British summer was true to its temperamental self and blessed us with rain and low temperatures. You can imagine our gratitude and delight at the sunshine that graced our weekend. Thanks to the gazebos, garden tables and chairs lent by neighbours and friends, our guests were able to sit outside, to circulate and meet one another, sharing memories and experiences, and to enjoy the cool of the Steadings where we had an exhibition and where we celebrated liturgy. The exhibition was a record of our history, work and plans for the future, and it included the people who have accompanied us along the way. There was also a display tree - Dwelling in All Seasons of comments and greetings from guests who had stayed here at different seasons of their lives. It was heartening to note that all made some reference to the graciousness and love of God whom they had experienced while here. On Saturday evening we enjoyed a ceilidh with a medley of dancing, Gaelic songs, tales from across the world and other musical contributions. And it was in this gathering that Philippa McCowen (Trustee, and daughter of Joyce Ferne, Co-founder of the Coach House) paid tribute to the dedication and love that were integral to the development of the ministry of the Coach House over twenty years. We were touched by a presentation of plants and a light hearted gift of ballet pumps - all much appreciated. On Sunday morning Fr Gerry Hughes, who has walked with us since our beginning, presided at our Pentecost Liturgy of Thanksgiving. He encouraged us to be sensitive to the presence of the Holy Spirit in our life experience, to be responsive to the Spirit s sometimes disturbing and challenging promptings, and to be ever aware that we are all one in God. As individuals spoke of their experiences, a profound sense of communion was felt to enfold us in gratitude for God s love. Following the final hymn, we emerged into glorious sunshine and enjoyed a buffet lunch on the lawn. These celebrations would not have been possible without the generosity of neighbours and friends who provided delicious food and gave other very practical help. We treasure this support an expression of their gratitude for God s love, somehow or other experienced at the Coach House. It encourages us to continue to develop our ministry here. Thank you to each and all! - - Joyce Ferne and Ruth Flockhart There are still spaces at the Coach House over the Summer for short retreats (a few days or longer), for the 8 day Individually Guided retreat (Aug 8th-17 th ) and for the 30 day retreat (Aug 28th-Oct 2 nd ). If you are interested in any of the above, phone Joyce/Ruth on , or Coachhouse@kilmuir.fsbusiness.co.uk See also our website:

4 4 PRAYER AS LOVING ATTENTION Aglade within which a still pool is ringed with dense trees lies waiting, heavy with clean air and patient expectancy. In response to being asked to reflect on the final year of formal training in Spiritual Direction, this picture was painted by a fellow student, Jane MacLaren. To me it felt as if this pool had gathered, in one subtly dynamic image, a clutch of elements related to spiritual direction: the hope that propels conversation, the still setting that shapes an ever increasing attentiveness, and a deep, dark and dazzling invitation to mutual engagement. It suggests a place of encounter, of assignation, at one and the same moment familiar and reassuring, yet also laced with mystery. There is in God (some say), a deep but dazzling darkness. (Henry Vaughan) The trees press in, one witness after another (Ignatius was one such, so too the tutors and students), ancient and heavy (so to speak!). The air crackles, the odd scuffle among the leaves and brush breaks the silence. The quiet pool, and its embrace of trees, holds us in its loving gaze. To such a glade we are each led; directees, directors and supervisors. We are invited and we are sought. During the course of the year we listened to each other and attempted to aid the deepening of each other s experience of, and openness to, God. We were 8 in number, 6 women and 2 men, drawn from within and outwith Edinburgh. We sidled up to some of the contemplative, the historical and the practical elements of spiritual direction in the Ignatian style, skilfully led by the tutors Elizabeth South, Alison Moody and Eileen Cassidy. The topics - Developing a Beneficial Relationship, the Transforming Work of the Holy Spirit, Standards of Practice and Pastoral Applications - offered both breadth and depth. The range of modes of learning was varied and well balanced: group instruction, assignments, journal articles, personal and group reflection, triads, simulated RDLs, tutor and peer supervision. It was a thoroughly enjoyable course with good, engaging and enquiring company. Like entering Julian of Norwich s cell, thick with stone walls soaked in silence, we stepped down, each week, into this glade. We stared cautiously into its depths, dipped our toes in the pool, maybe even jumped in on occasion. The poet David Whyte speaks of the soul as the largest conversation a person is capable of having with the world and I realise that the course has enabled me to have a more enlarged conversation with the world at large and with my world. The image of the glade is, however, the one that comes to me and attends me today, carrying with it the awareness of a (new) voice which, in the words of Mary Oliver, another poet keeps us company as we stride deeper and deeper into the world. See you down at the pool. - - Andrew Hook Title Prayer as loving attention is taken from a comment from novelist Iris Murdoch

5 5 W FAREWELL and THANKS to ANGUS e bid a fond farewell to Angus MacDonald, parish priest of St Catherine Labouré s in Glasgow, and for many years part of the team at the Ignatian Spirituality Centre. Angus has completed his full time parish ministry and has returned to the Western Isles. We have always been grateful for the good sense and humour that Angus has brought to our team meetings and the work of the Centre. He has been a familiar and well respected accompanier to many individual retreatants both in the Centre and further afield, not least in our retreats in the beautiful setting of Iona and, on occasions, in Skelmorlie. In particular Angus helped to develop the valuable and enjoyable ecumenical clergy courses that have happened both in Glasgow and Edinburgh in recent years. It is thanks to Angus support that we at the ISC have experienced the warm welcome of the parish community of St Catherine s over the past four and a half years. A team of us has been able to offer a number of short series there on ways of praying, a retreat in daily life and for some an opportunity to join one of the weekend retreats in Skelmorlie. Most enjoyably members of the parish hosted our ISC Ceilidh which created a lasting sense of friendship and mutual support. Everyone who knows Angus enjoys his sense of humour and wry smile. We have all learned a lot from his solidly grounded pastoral experience and real love of everyone with whom he has shared his ministry. It is hard to know of anyone who is more universally loved and respected. As Angus moves for a while into a quieter space and place, we know that we at the ISC, together with his many other friends, are in contemplative contact with him and that he is still very much part of our team and work through the powerful ministry of prayer. - - Tom McGuinness SJ WEAVING PRAYER THROUGH LIFE It is in the heart of life, love, heartache and heartbreak that God lives, loves and weeps. She weaves her golden thread through the fabric of our cares and joys. In praying with this fabric we ve discovered God with us in our anger and anxiety, our losses and our delight. We ve met Jesus who rages for justice, God our strength and shelter, the Holy Spirit dancing with our joy, the laughing Christ, the weeping earth, the treasured pearl. In silence, in prayer, in friendship and in cups of tea, we ve woven prayer into life, not just once a month, but into the ups and downs of every day. - - Jane MacKichan

6 6 MY EXPERIENCE of the SPIRITUAL ACCOMPANIMENT COURSE Gemma Lamarra, a participant on the Spiritual Accompaniment course, shares some reflections on her experience of the last two years Iwould highly recommend the course in Spiritual Accompaniment to anyone who is interested in engaging with others at a deeper and spiritual level. When registering for the course my hope was to do just that, but I did not expect the level of deepening that I have experienced in my own spiritual growth. In the first year of the course we covered listening skills and soon learned to look for the life or light in people s experiences. We also learned about spiritual discernment and very soon started to put what we learned into practice with our fellow students in triads - groups of three where we practise what we have learned and help each other with honest observations. The feedback at these sessions was an invaluable part of the course. Year one for me also included doing the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius in daily life. Being accompanied through the Exercises helped me value and experience at first hand the potential for spiritual growth and development that comes through spiritual accompaniment and the structure of the Exercises themselves. In addition, the experience of being listened to was an invaluable learning experience about how to listen. In the second year we revisited the Spiritual Exercises at greater depth, looked in some detail at ethical and therapeutic issues and also learned about and experienced the value and necessity of having a supervisor when engaged in the ministry of spiritual accompaniment. The whole experience was prayerful. Each session started with a stilling exercise and different forms of prayer, and ended in the oratory, again with different prayer experiences. But God s presence wasn t limited to these moments: there was a sense that God was present in everything - in the people, the activities and the sharing. The growth I have experienced in my capacity to listen carefully is something that I cherish and value and I hope that it will continue to develop in the future. I treasure the sense of the Spirit in my listening encounters, both formal and informal. I treasure the sense of privilege at being in a position of trust where people feel they can share openly with me their innermost feelings and encounters with God. I treasure the friends I have made over the last two years on the course and I thank God for their friendship on this wonderful journey. I treasure the prospect that this is but the beginning of an exciting journey that will lead to I know not where. - - Gemma Lamarra

7 7 GROWTH in PRAYER and REFLECTIVE LIVING The participants in this year s Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living course in Glasgow came from Catholic, Church of Scotland and Evangelical Brethren backgrounds. We expressed our hopes for the course in different ways, but essentially we were all looking for the same thing - a deeper and closer relationship with God. Each Tuesday evening on arrival tea and coffee were available a welcome reward for the steep climb up Scott Street! As we got to know one another over these refreshing drinks, many a lively pre-session discussion took place. At 6:45 we moved to the conference room where everything was set up round a centrepiece never the same twice and always beautiful and uplifting. Each session began with a stilling exercise. One of the tutors would guide us to a more restful and focussed disposition, at times using a well chosen piece of music which took us deeper into peace. We then shared our experience of prayer and reading during the previous week. Once that was done and it sometimes took longer than the scheduled time allocation, the topic for the evening was introduced. While some were more appealing than others, all were interesting. No one could pinpoint just one method of prayer that was a favourite. We each had a list of at least four or five helpful methods. Lectio Divina, the Prayer of Awareness, Discernment, Celtic prayer, praying with icons - these and others now have a place in our prayer life. Those parts of the course that dealt with reflective living were just as important as the sessions on prayer. It s wonderful to know of God s love for us, but there is also the need to consider how we put our love for Him into daily practice. The course gave us the tools to do this. Journaling was one helpful tool. Not only did it help me to express my thoughts and insights better than just thinking, but I was amazed when I looked back at what I had written perhaps just two or three weeks beforehand to discover just how much I had forgotten. In addition to the regular sessions, we greatly enjoyed visits by guest speakers, the showing of a very moving and thought-provoking film, and a DVD of Anthony de Mello on silence. Each term was brought to a restful close with a full day of retreat. How enjoyable, encouraging and inspiring we all found the course is probably best conveyed by my co-participants. One said It helped me to relate to God in prayer and to know the depths of His love for me. This in turn helps me to be a disciple and to build up a true friendship with Him. It enables me to commit myself to prayer, using the methods we were taught, especially the time of silence and reflection. Sharing among ourselves has been enriching and made us friends. Another said that, among other things, what she had gained from the course was An understanding that there are many ways of prayer; knowledge of many of these and of how to use them in daily practice; growth in spirituality; more experience of ecumenism; some appreciation of the Jesuit way; a meeting of kindred spirits. There was something to learn from every week. I could not have asked for better tutors or better course companions. What I personally received is priceless and I would strongly encourage all those people who have the course on their to do list not to put it off a moment longer. - - Margery Strattan

8 8 READING and PRAYING the CHRISTIAN CLASSICS In October last year a group of time-travelling pilgrims set off on a journey through the Christian centuries, stopping off en route to read and pray with some of the classic Christian writings. From our base in the ISC our pilgrim guides, Sisters Margaret and Eileen, introduced us to a wide variety of people, places and times. Their insightful introductions to each month's reading never failed to whet our appetites for what lay ahead. Our pilgrimage took us from the Early Christian Fathers to the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council; from the founders of great monastic orders to the enclosed life of Therese of Lisieux; from the martyrs of the early centuries to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a martyr of our own time; from the great leaders of the Protestant reformation to the saints of the Catholic Reformation and from the mysticism of Julian of Norwich to the evangelical zeal of the Wesley brothers. And yes, we did even manage to pay a fleeting visit to St. Ignatius. As a small group who got to know each other well during our travels (there are some missing from the photograph) one of the most rewarding aspects of our pilgrimage was the opportunity to share how the readings and prayer had touched us. Indeed, without the sharing it would have been much harder to tackle such a range of material. Together we were able to see connections between great figures separated from each other by time, place and denominational tradition and to appreciate the faith that they held in common and offered as a gift to us who come after them. - - Lisbeth Raeside GOD and the FEMININE God & the Feminine, led by Julia Ling and Ali Newell, presented a variety of enlightening and thoughtprovoking material. In Part I we explored the history of the Feminine in ancient belief systems until the present day, and the feminine aspect of God in scripture. We were encouraged to consider and integrate the masculine and feminine aspects of God into our understanding and worship. Part II was more practical, introducing us to the eastern practices of tai chi and yoga, and showing how these can be integrated into Christian prayer. No less challenging than the first session, in terms of provoking thought and edging us out of our comfort zones, it also encouraged us to pray and connect with our bodies as well as with our minds. Poetry, song and dance sat easily alongside reflection, prayer and group discussion. These evenings were inspiring, enjoyable, and an excellent and enticing introduction to the topic. Thank you, Julia and Ali, for your leadership and presentation. And thanks to all participants who shared in the camaraderie of the evenings. - - Celia McArthur & Friends

9 9 SUNNY MORNINGS in ALLOWAY After Easter Jane MacKichan, James Spence SJ and I travelled down to the coast of Ayrshire on three occasions, each time exchanging the grey skies of Glasgow for the invariably sunnier climes of Alloway. The purpose of our trips was to respond to a request from the Church of Scotland in Alloway for a refresher course for care-givers in their ministry of visiting elderly people in their homes or in residential care centres. A group of about sixteen people attended the sessions, and they entered whole-heartedly into the reflection, discussion and sharing of experiences. Some of the areas covered were: faith accompaniment with elderly people, life journey and reminiscence, understanding the process of dementia, transition times, looking at loss and vulnerability etc. Asked what was most helpful, some referred to the stilling times, others to a renewed appreciation of the gift of older years, others to more practical aspects. All had found the sessions helpful. On the final day, Neil, the local Church of Scotland minister, who had participated in all the sessions, showed us around his church, with its very impressive stained glass windows. Being in the birth place of Robert Burns, we didn t miss the opportunity of visiting the Robert Burns museum, cottage, and old church. In the kirkyard outside the church, we read the epitaph that Burns wrote of his ever honoured father : Here lie the loving husband's dear remains, The tender father, and the gen'rous friend; The pitying heart that felt for human woe, The dauntless heart that fear'd no human pride; The friend of man to vice alone a foe; For "ev'n his failings lean'd to virtue's side." - words regarded as expressing the spirituality of Scotland s national poet. Alloway was indeed a sunny experience and an enriching one. - Margaret Fielding CARERS AFTERNOONS Having decided to do something for people who find themselves in a caring situation, we set aside the last Tuesday of each month for this venture. Jane MacKichan and James Spence, both with a background as health care professionals, facilitate the sessions. A small group of people attend regularly. They find support in sharing with one another their thoughts over the last few weeks; they find peace in the introductory stilling exercise; and they deeply appreciate quality time alone when they can reflect on, pray with or just wonder at the material that is offered them. After a cup of tea, there is a further opportunity for sharing before a final prayer and a blessing that sends them on their way to continue their ministry of care. Though numbers are small, those who come have found an oasis in an otherwise busy caring environment. They have found space to care for themselves. We hope that others will join them. So - if you know of anyone who may be helped by these afternoons, please inform them about this last Tuesday-of-the-month event at the ISC. - - James Spence sj

10 A RETREAT DAY with the GOOD SHEPHERD 10 On Saturday 28 th April, the Justice and Peace group from the parish of Saints Jude and John Ogilvie, together with some parishioners from St Paul s, enjoyed a day of retreat at the ISC (Ignatian Spirituality Centre) in Glasgow. The theme of the retreat was Jesus Our Shepherd and Friend. Fr Tom McGuinness, S.J., opened the day by asking us our hopes and expectations. Many identified a need for quiet, calm and stillness in a somewhat busy world. Having linked this need to a colour, we were then led in a stillness exercise which helped us relax into the day. We began to explore the theme of the day by reflecting on shepherd references in both the Old and New Testaments, one of the most powerful being from Luke 15: 4-6: Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn t he leave the ninety-nine in the country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home - a striking image of how, even if we stray, God is always on the look out for us to welcome us home. Before going off to pray on our own with the shepherd images, we were shown a clip from the TV series, The Big Silence. This highlighted the value of quiet places and periods of time in order to find God in silence and reflection. We were then offered questions for reflection to take to our quiet spaces: Who has been a good shepherd for you, encouraging you with the care and compassion of Jesus our Shepherd and Friend? For whom have you been a good shepherd? The morning ended with some sharing on our reflections. In the afternoon we looked at a presentation on the story of Creation and explored how we should see our environment as a gift from God to be shepherded by us. Following individual quiet time to reflect on how God has shown himself to us in the world, we reflected in groups on what we, as a Justice and Peace Group, can take back to the parish from this day, to pursue and take forward as a new project. This was a challenge. The day ended with Mass in the chapel and we heard the story of the Good Shepherd. During Mass, we had the chance to pray for those we know who are sick and also for our families and friends. It was a very good day and we enjoyed the chance to come together and share ideas but also it was beneficial to have quiet and calm time in our busy lives. We felt very welcomed at the Centre and look forward to returning for another retreat. -- Erin Gallagher Member of the Justice and Peace Group

11 SONGS and POEMS of SUMMER June 10 th Amelodious day of delights brought to an end the ISC programme year on Sunday, 10 th June. Introduced and accompanied by Tom McGuinness, Kenneth Steven, the Scottish poet, and Heather Innes, one of the Caim singers, transported us back and deep into our memories of sunlit summers, while outside showers and intermittent watery sun lit up Garnet Hill. Tom invited us to share words that evoked summertime for us - these included a sense of unlimited time, freedom and summer smells of seaside - and then he shared some of his own summer memory songs, including The best gift and Sunlight for my soul. In the morning Kenneth, in his soft voice, shared with us some of his poems from his two collections Island and Evensong. He interspersed these with stories from his own childhood growing up in Perthshire, including magical memories of long summer holidays on the west coast and western isles. Anna evoked the smells of strawberry picking and youthful desire; Pearls the inner knowledge and stories of the traveller people, so significant in rural Perthshire; Island the freedom and wildness of holidays on Coll; and Prayer had a special resonance for the day: If you do not believe in God Go on a blue spring day across these fields: Listen to the orchids, race the sea, scent the wind. Come back and tell me it was all an accident A collision of blind chance In the empty hugeness of space. Heather delighted us immediately with her glorious song Arise my love based on the Song of Songs, and with Belle Stewart s traveller song The Berryfields of Blair a reflection of her memories of growing up in Perthshire. She shared generously with us songs in different styles from her own enormous repertoire and from her joint repertoire with Caim colleague Jacynth. See that Rainbow Shine (Jean Ritchie) and David Adam collaborations God of the Elements and Caim whetted the appetite for more songs, much as her entertaining and heartfelt pre-lunch song, Roly poly people, whetted another more basic appetite! After an excellent lunch and plenty of opportunity for chat, Heather opened the afternoon with Tell me Ma a Belfast street song, followed by a rich and warm rendering of Summertime. And then with some enthusiastic audience participation, she treated us to Poor roving lassie and Wild mountain thyme. For me one of the most moving delights of the day was Kenneth s reading in total of his just published Song among the stones, which was accompanied by Tom s gentle guitar playing and the evocative beat of Heather s bodhran. The poem is full of enchantment, telling the extraordinary story of a group of 6 th century Celtic Christian monks who left Iona to travel over tumultuous seas to the unknown north in search of even greater solitude in Iceland. In the voice of the monk who led them: all I know is that I must seek This somewhere with all my soul Prayers of thanksgiving, sung together, brought an end to this special and memorable day of celebrating Summer in poetry, reflection, music and friendship. - - Maureen Brough

12 12 On the Friday evening of May 4 th, Margaret Silf shared with members of the Lantern Group and others her reflections on what it is to be a person of faith. Margaret did not focus on denomination or particular faith, but rather on those who found themselves on a spiritual journey, in some ways parallel to the physical journey through life but distinct from it. She was speaking especially to those who in one way or another accompanied others on their journey, and so commented on what she had found as she travelled around the world. She had once defined herself as a boundary dweller in relation to church affiliation, and noted the growth in those who had found themselves drawn, and sometimes pushed, to follow their spiritual vocation without much support from the church to which they belonged. At the same time there was distraction from the debates within church organisations, in which the needs and problems of the organisation often seemed of more importance than helping individuals spiritually. The whole of the following day was given to pondering the extended analogy of the Christian life as a sea voyage, in a boat representing the circumstances of our lives. Margaret invited us to consider that boat, the cargo and baggage that it carried, how we might navigate it, and the perils we might encounter on the way. With this analogy we were led through a thorough exploration of the current state of our spiritual lives, and were encouraged to make what repairs and amendments we wished to make! Speaking personally, it was a challenging and very useful exercise. While the weekend was not as fully attended as we might have wished, we felt it was time well spent in a review and assessment of our lives. - - Mark Pratt 'Summer Prelude' Lantern Group Quiet Morning June 23rd 2012 The event was named in hopes of some summer weather to come - so far unrealized! A small group of a dozen or so took up the invitation to 'Come aside and rest awhile', living with the story of those five thousand folk who pursued a weary Jesus, listened again to him and were fed by him. Songs, readings, music and afterwards a shared lunch - alas, not miraculously provided! - did indeed help us to come aside for a while and spend the time fruitfully. The closing liturgy led us in giving thanks for all God's gifts. The event was led by Jock Stein and a new member of the group, Sheila Cameron. - - Mark Pratt

13 13 BOOK REVIEW Two Wings to Fly Mark McHugh-Pratt and Jock Stein The Handsel Press 35 Dunbar Rd., Haddington, EH41 3JP ISBN This is a little gem of a book. Within 30 pages you can enter the lives of two poets who communicate a variety of experiences, many of which will be recognisable to all. Included are the celebration of important life events, thoughts aroused on visiting certain places, and scenes from the Bible given a new expression. We are invited to ponder life s questions and explore the gamut of human emotions - this can be challenging, questioning and thought provoking, as well as comforting, humorous and full of hope. There is a clever use of words and ideas which will set you thinking and there are illustrations to complement some of the poems. - - Caroline Hunter (ISC Associate). In Two Wings to Fly' Mark McHugh-Pratt and Jock Stein are the co-authors of a book of poems inspired by their Christian faith. The book s title celebrates the idea of opposites in balance, seen in the marvel and mystery of creation, an idea described by the French author, André Gide as L étincelle de la vie the spark or brightness of life. The poems in this collection are indeed invitations to notice, to reflect and to find that bright spark, the heaven in ordinary in the situations, people and places around us. In Butterfly Bush the poet contemplates an ordinary bush where butterflies gather, and is A SUMMER PRAYER May you breathe in the beauty of summer with its power of transformation. May this beauty permeate all that feels un-beautiful in you. May you seek and find spaces of repose during these summer months. May these moments refresh and restore the tired places within you. prompted to ask who designed things that fascinate our human thoughts. Columba s Oak (p.9) becomes a meeting place for those touched by his love. In Vision (p.16) all that is observed outside and beyond a windowsill is a feast for eye and soul that finally leads to a Silence spread abroad. In a wonderful poem entitled Multum in Parvo (p.13), the reader is invited to enter the island of the holy and to stand alongside the poet who states simply: I have seen.i have heard. I have observed I have believed. Journey is a theme in several poems, notably Northwards (p.10), written by Mark in response to the workshop led by Kenneth Steven at the ISC, in October 2011, A Song Among the Stones, itself a poem about journey. Journey connects with the biblical journey of the Prodigal Son in The Invitation (p.11), and many of the poems in the collection have strong biblical resonances: Inward Journey (p.8), Incarnation (p.12), The Big Question (Cana) (p.18), Baptism (p.23) etc. I greatly enjoyed the poems and found the connections made between everyday reality and Christian faith inspiring. The reader is invited into the sacred space of reflection, wonder, and presence. Like the craftsman in Will Homan s Lectern (p. 8) who welded the oak tree into something to grace a church these poets too crossed the boundaries / of language, land and sea, / fraternity to weld. 'Two Wings to Fly' ( 4.95) is available in paperback from St John s Cornerstone Bookshop, Princes St, Edinburgh, from Kesley's Bookshop on Market Street, Haddington or through The Handsel Press online at Margaret Fielding (ISC Associate) May you be open to times of celebration and recreation that are so much part of summer. May you find happiness in these times of play and leisure. May your eyes see the wonders of summer s colours May these colours delight you and entice you into contemplation and joy. May you feel the energy of summer rains penetrating thirsty gardens, gold courses, lawns and farmlands May these rains remind you that your inner thirst needs quenching. May your inner self be refreshed, restored and renewed. May you savour the fresh produce that comes to your table and enjoy the fruits of summer s bounty. May you find shelter when the stormy skies of summer threaten your safety. May you enjoy the unexpected and find surprises of beauty and happiness as you travel the roads on summer vacation. Taken from The Circle of Life 2005 by Joyce Rupp Macrina Wiederkehr Used by permission of Ave Maria Press. All rights reserved.

14 ANNOUNCING Courses Series, Events and Retreats: September December 2012 See programmes and websites for further details. Please contact by telephone or 14 EPIPHANY GROUP Training Course Coordinator Alison Moody Tel: ISC, GLASGOW The Administrative Secretary Ignatian Spirituality Centre Tel: Courses (See Website for details) Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living, Edinburgh, Oct 25 th 2012 April 11 th Contact Claire Starr ( ; Training in Spiritual Conversation, Edinburgh, Oct 25 th 2012 May 18 th /19 th Contact Cath McManus: co.uk Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living, Galloway. Monthly: Friday evening + Saturday sessions, 10:00 4:00 pm. Contact Rachel Inglis: ; info@aigfois.co.uk Series Bread for the Journey, 7 Reflective Days, 10:00-15:30 (27 th Oct; 24 th Nov; 26 th Jan; 23 rd Feb; 27 th Apr; 25 th May; 29 th Jun) Event Epiphany Group Annual Conference, Nov 15 th -17 th 2012, Gillis Centre, Edinburgh: Spirituality and Ageing. Presenter Maureen O Neill (CEO Faith in Older People ). Retreats Mon 23 rd Mon 30 th July (Skelmorlie) Mon 3 rd Mon 10 th Sept (Skelmorlie) Contact Helen Kinloch: or helenkinloch855@btinternet.com Courses Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living (Tuesday evenings, 6:45-9:15, Oct 9 th May 21 st ) and 3 Saturdays (Dec 8 th 2012; Mar 23 rd and May 25 th 2013) Food for Life s Journey: The Wisdom of Saints Benedict and St Ignatius Loyola (Mon evenings, 7:00 9:00 pm, Oct 8 th 2012 Jun 10 th 2013) Becoming Love in Action (for those who have completed the Spiritual Exercises); 8 Thursday evenings, 7:00 9:00 pm (Oct 11 th /Nov 8 th /Dec 6 th /Jan 31 st /Feb 28 th /Mar 21 st /April 11 th /May 9 th ) and closing Saturday (May 18 th ) Series Taizé Evenings, Third Monday of Month, 7:30 8:30 Retreat Mornings, First Friday of month, 10:00 1:00 Eat, Pray, Breathe, Every Tuesday 1:00-1:30 from Oct 2 nd Quiet reflective half hour Carers Renewal Afternoons, Last Tuesday of month, 1:30-4:00, from Oct 30 th Events Opening the Programme Year, Sat 29 th Sept (Full Day): Praying with the Art and Inspiration of Sieger Köder, Magdalen Lawler snd Taster Day see box on p.15 Film Night, Friday 12 th Oct (7:-9:30) Encountering God in Music and Poetry, Saturday 27 th October (Full Day) Sustaining the Spirit in the Workplace, Saturday 10 th November (Afternoon) Advent 1: Advent Mystery in Painting and Poetry, Saturday 1 st Dec (Full Day), Magdalen Lawler snd Watch and Reflect, BBC s Nativity, Sunday 9 th December (2:30-5:00) Advent 2: Resting as One in the Womb of the World, Saturday 15 th Dec (Full Day) Retreats 6 Day Residential Silent Retreats 15 th 22 nd September 2012 (Skelmorlie) Non-Residential Retreat Weekend Sat 3 rd Nov (10:30) Sun 4 th Nov (4:30) at the ISC, 35 Scott St, Glasgow Taster Retreat Longing for Light, 23 rd 25 th Nov (Xaverian Conforti Centre, Coatbridge)

15 15 FREE TASTER DAY at the ISC This day will offer opportunity to see where we are and to taste some of the different things we offer in the centre themed and creative workshops, experiential reflective space and opportunity for informal conversation. You are welcome to come for the full day or to drop into individual sessions. For more details on the programme for the day keep an eye on the website or contact us. NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION: This newsletter, published three times a year, is free, and is also available on the ISC website: If you wish to subscribe to the edition, please send your full name and e- mail address, with the subject Newsletter, to admin@iscglasgow.co.uk. If you know of anyone else who may be interested in receiving it by , please invite them to send their details in the same way. If you prefer to receive the newsletter by regular mail, please send your full name and address to: The Administrative Secretary, Ignatian Spirituality Centre, 35 Scott Street, Glasgow, G3 6PE. A donation towards printing and postage would be appreciated. IGNATIAN GROUPS and ROLES in SCOTLAND Ignatian Spirituality Promoter Gerald McLoughlin SJ, 28 Lauriston St, Edinburgh, EH3 9DJ Tel: gero@talk21.com Epiphany Group Barbara Buda (Coordinator) Tel: Epiphanygroup@yahoo.co.uk Web: Ignatian Spirituality Centre 35 Scott Street, Glasgow, G3 6PE Tel: admin@iscglasgow.co.uk Web: The Lantern Group Mark McHugh Pratt (Contact), Tel: mark.pratt@cantab.net Web: The Lauriston Jesuit Centre 28 Lauriston St, Edinburgh, EH3 9DJ Tel: Web: