Pohutukawa at Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa
I got back to Auckland from Mosgiel 12 days ago after journeying with a group undergoing the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius often referred to as a 30 Day retreat. It was a privileged and blessed time for me to witness the movement of God's Spirit in the lives of those I accompanied. It's a life changing experience for those who enter the Exercises and continues to bear fruit in them as they deepen their relationship with Jesus and remember the graces they received. They have been very much in my thoughts and prayers in what can be a challenging transition from such an intense period of silence and prayer.
In 2019, I began a 2 year training course in Spiritual Direction with Te Wairua Mahi, an Ignatian Spirituality programme in NZ, and being asked to be a director on the 30 Day retreat was putting our training into practice. Thanks to all the team for this wonderful opportunity.
Christmas Day is around the corner and my Christmas gift to all those who have appreciated my blog throughout the year, I have opened up all the songs on my Christmas Album,
'You are the Gift' for you to listen to throughout the Christmas Season. May you and those you share your lives with have a blessed and happy Christmas and may 2022 be one we face with hope, courage and generosity no matter what lies ahead. Jesus born for us that first Christmas Day is with us here and now and is on our side. We have so much to be grateful for.
My blog will continue in February 2022.