Carmelite retreat a chance to spend time with God in prayer

By Wendy Shaw

The Spiritual Genius of St Therese of the Child Jesus is the focus of a Carmelite weekend retreat at the Emmanuel Centre in Launceston in October.

The reflective retreat will look at St Therese’s thoughts on God and prayer and is an opportunity to learn more about one of only four women to have been declared a Doctor of the Church.

The retreat director is Fr Aloysius Rego, OCD, a Carmelite friar from Sydney, who has written extensively on this popular Carmelite saint. The weekend will also include celebration of the Eucharist, reconciliation, and adoration.

The Launceston Carmelite Secular Order is organising the retreat, as member Sandra Walkling OCDS, a Launceston Catholic parishioner, explained: “We are an integral part of the Carmelite family which is comprised of friars, nuns, and seculars. Each have their own charism to fulfil in our calling to enrich our spiritual life and in turn enrich the society we live in.

“Our Carmelite constitutions state that we attend an annual weekend retreat where possible but due to the fact that we are still a small group, we open it up to the whole state so that anyone who desires to learn more about Carmelite spirituality or simply spend time with God in prayer and reflection may join us.”

The group was formed in 2003 and meets every second Sunday of the month at the Carmelite Monastery in West Launceston for prayer, reflection and sharing.

The cost of weekend retreat at the Emmanuel Centre, Newstead, from 21 to 23 October, is $240 including accommodation and meals. Please call 6331 4991 for more details or to make a booking.