‘Journey to God through prayer’ at annual retreat

By Wendy Shaw

Developing a deeper dialogue and relationship with God through prayer is the focus of a weekend retreat in Launceston later this month.

Fr Gerard Moran OCD, is the Spiritual Director at the annual retreat organised by Launceston’s Carmelite Secular Order.

Fr Moran is a Carmelite friar and scripture scholar who has had many years of praying and developing the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of prayer through the eyes of St John of the Cross, as Secular Order member Sandra Walkling explained.

“The Carmelite Order has been blessed with the canonisation of many saints over the years including three who have been declared Doctors of the Church through their teachings on prayer,” Sandra said.

“St John of the Cross is amongst them. He was a companion of St Teresa of Avila who was the first woman Doctor of the Church in the formation of the Discalced Carmelite Order back in the 16th Century.

“As part of the Carmelite Order we who are in the Secular Order follow very closely in studying and praying with these great saints to learn how to develop our own dialogue and relationship with God through our prayer life.”

The Carmelite Secular Order has been meeting at the Carmelite Monastery in Launceston for the past 21 years and aims to build a more intimate relationship with God through prayer and reflection.

The annual retreat is a chance for the wider community to go deeper in their faith while also learning about Carmelite spirituality.

Sandra added: “Fr Gerard Moran is happy to come down from Sydney to spend this weekend with us and lead us on this path to grow in a deeper holiness with God.

“We warmly invite anyone who feels drawn to take this journey with us to God through prayer and join us on this weekend.”

The retreat is at the Emmanuel Centre, Launceston, from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 October. The cost is $300 including meals and accommodation.

For further information or to book, call Sandra on (03) 6331 4991.