No. 13 April 2008
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Fr Laurence and Fergal with the President as she welcomes meditators
Thursday 13th Dec ’07 was a big day for Christian Meditation (CM) in Ireland, when leaders and helpers of CM from North and South of the Border were invited by President Mary McAleese to visit Aras an Uachtarain in celebration of the life and legacy of Dom John Main OSB. 30th Dec ’07 marked the twenty fifth anniversary of Fr John’s death in the monastery he founded in Canada and since that time, under the spiritual leadership of his pupil, Fr Laurence Freeman OSB, the practice of CM has spread to 113 countries in the world.
The day began with the arrival of fifty very expectant meditators from all over Ireland at the gates of the Aras to be escorted into the land-scaped grounds by Fergal McLaughlin, who had organised the visit.
We were warmly welcomed at the entrance by Fr Laurence himself into the beautiful entrance hall seasonally decorated with a magnificent Christmas tree, crib and gingerbread house. Proceeding down a very elegant corridor lined with bronze heads of all the past presidents of Ireland, we arrived at the grand Reception Room where the President receives all visitors on state occasions. There we were greeted by an Officer and a Corporal of the Irish Army, both female, who explained the programme of events to us and stayed with us throughout our visit assisting us in every way possible in a most friendly manner.
The President talks to Pat Byrne, with Desmond O'Neill, Eric Johnson and Michael Lane
When President McAleese arrived Fr Laurence and Fergal escorted her around the room introducing her to each person and she took time to chat to each one in her now celebrated and engaging way. After group photos were taken, the President spoke to us about Fr John Main. She told us how she had succeeded him as a Law Professor in Trinity College when he had left to become a monk and how although she had never met him, many years later she had come across one of his books and become a meditator herself (and as we know she was the chief speaker at the John Main Seminar in Dublin in 1997) She expressed her admiration for his vision and she was grateful for his commitment to the teaching once again of this long neglected way of prayer, which is proving to be of such benefit around the world. She thanked all those present for the work they are doing, in bringing the teaching to our local areas.
The President then brought us to an adjoining room where she joined us in a very welcome cup of tea and she took advantage of that time to speak to Monsignor Tom Fehily, the Spiritual Director of CM in Ireland and also to meet with several members of Fr John Main’s family, including his sister and two nephews.
The President greets Mons.Tom Fehily
When the president had left us the two army personnel brought us on a guided tour of the State Apartments, including the Drawing Room where the President of Ireland entertains all state visitors, (President de Gaulle of France and President Clinton, being but two of the most famous). Orla Cunningham was invited to play a piece on the grand piano whilst a few of us sat in front of the roaring fire on the elegant, 18th Century, Marie Antoinette style chaise longue from the Palace of Versailles, presented to President DeValera by President de Gaulle.
Our heartfelt thanks to President Mary McAleese and her staff, Fergal and all those in CM who helped to make it such a memorable occasion, an occasion of a lifetime and a truly fitting tribute to Dom John Main OSB (1926- 1982 )
Elizabeth McStravick
"I thought the gathering of Meditators was John Main's ideal of
a Christian Community"
Sheila Walshe, Dun Laoghaire
"I don't know which I enjoyed the more - meeting the President
or seeing the happy gathering of Christian Meditators from far and near"
Sr. Margaret Collier, Cork
"The visit to Aras an Uachtarain was most enjoyable and
very memorable"
Lilian Casey, Cork
"Great to be in the Aras with everyone!"
Matthew Campbell, Dublin
"A truly memorable and loving celebration of John Min's life and
legacy - such a gift!"
Sr. Noreen Smyth, Drogheda
All in the Christian Meditation community in Ireland will want to join in saying a míle buíochas (a thousand thanks) to Fergal for acting as our first national coordinator and who has now stepped down from this role.
Fergal explained to me that he agreed to take on the role for a year but, thankfully for all of us, he kept it for three! I will now attempt to take up this role.
Fergal has been that person behind the scenes building on the strong history of Christian Meditation in Ireland and helping the Irish community to reap the benefits of being part of a larger & more global meditation community. His role has always been exercised gently, and with both patience and a sense of calm. It was Fergal who helped to create a new structure in our Irish Community for Christian Meditation:
1) an Executive Group for direction & decision making 2) a Working
Group for the specific tasks: the National Newsletter, The International
Newsletter (& distribution), web-site, school & treasurer
& 3) The Irish Council made up of the above, the Regional coordinators
& representatives of the Christian Meditation Centres.
Fergal will continue his membership of our Irish Executive & his linking role with the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) by remaining on the Guiding Board of the WCCM. (See page 4)
Now as we continue to be aware of the hunger for the prayer of the heart in our world and try to be alert to the signs of the times we need to be open to discovering new and creative ways to continue on our own personal pilgrimages and to encourage others on theirs. This means growing in our own commitment to this path and teaching and sharing this message with others.
As I take up this new role I am grateful for
those who have lead the way and left many good paths, and I thank God
for the guidance of people like Fr Tom, Yvonne Fitzgerald, "a small
band of committed people" and my immediate predecessor Fergal. Thank
God he’s not too far away though Kerry (my home county) to Dublin
is far enough, but then again John Main did have strong links with "The
Kingdom".
Now from all of us, Fergal, we wish you well & God’s many blessings, knowing that we are not only thanking you but your wife Judy too for all you both brought and shared with us in your years as our National Coordinator.
Sylvia Thompson
On Saturday morning 29th December 2007, I collected Mgr. Tom Fehily in Dun Laoghaire at 5 a.m. on what was to be a very special pilgrimage to London. We were on our way to the Commemorative Mass in Westminster Cathedral to celebrate the 25th anniversary of John Main’s death. This was to be the culmination of the events which had been happening worldwide to celebrate the occasion.
Two weeks previously when he visited Dublin, Fr. Laurence had rightly said that the Mass in Westminster Cathedral would be incomplete without Fr. Tom. With that wonderful spirit which has been the hallmark of his commitment to Christian Meditation, Fr. Tom set about his arrangements for the trip. He was determined to be there, despite the early start and the rigours of an outward and return journey in 24 hours which would be daunting to a man half his age.
Fr. Tom was co-celebrant at the Mass, together with Fr. Laurence and Fr. Robin Burgess from Ealing Abbey. It was apt that the celebrants should be an Irishman who knew John Main when he was in Ireland, Fr. Laurence who carries on the tradition, and a priest from Ealing Abbey where Fr. John had been as a young man.
The Mass was an extraordinarily beautiful celebration of the life of
John Main. There were about 800 people in attendance, many of whom had
travelled from other parts of the world. The music was specially composed
by Margaret Ritza, performed by the Gaudete Singers and Instrumentalists.
Fittingly it began with the Prayer of St. Patrick – "Christ
with me where’er I go; Christ around, above, below". There
were readings from John Cassian and John Main. The Intercessions were
read by National Co-ordinators who had travelled from around the globe.
Fr Laurence’s homily sketched the life of John Main and the wonderful
legacy of his life and teachings. Most moving was the period of meditation,
when 800 people sat in silence for15 minutes - an expression of oneness
in silence in the unique stillness of Westminster Cathedral.
I looked in awe and some trepidation at Fr. Tom – how could he last
the pace? We had travelled by taxi, plane and bus, we had traipsed the
length of airport corridors, and the ceremony was into its 2nd hour. But
needless to say he was wonderful – as always the epitome of grace
and spirituality. His voice rang clear and strong in the height and breadth
of the Cathedral – a unique link from the past to the future and
an example to young and old.
Finally the ceremony concluded, and we gave thanks for the life of John Main and for the worldwide community of meditators. We are left with the memorable words of Fr. Laurence: "In the wonder of Christ we celebrate that we are all indeed here in spirit, with hearts open and thankful for the wonders the Lord has done among us".
Fergal McLoughlin
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of John Main's death Sr. Patricia Moloney, SSL with the support of her weekly meditation group, held two seminars on Christian Meditation, one at the Park Inn, Dundalk and one at St. Louis High School, Rathmines, Dublin.
Both were very well attended, the participants showing great interest in the subject. There were two sessions, morning and afternoon with a lunch break. Sr Patricia told the story of John Main's life, his spiritual journey into meditation and his untiring work to promote Christian meditation during his short life. Since his death in 1982 his friend and companion Fr Lawrence Freeman OSB has tirelessly continued the work. There was time for meditation both morning and afternoon, time for questions and comments and the day ended with the DVD "Coming Home" which summed up most of the day's teaching. All agreed it was a very enjoyable and worthwhile day. Hopefully there will be follow-up opportunities for those who wish to take up meditation.
People sometimes ask: why do you have to have structures? Surely meditation is the work of the Spirit? Well yes, but with Christian Meditation now in over 100 countries worldwide there has to be some sort of organisation to keep it all functioning.
The role of the Guiding Board of the WCCM is to articulate a vision and to share the development of Christian Meditation around the world, and also to oversee the community’s life and growth. Currently the 16 members of the Guiding Board come from 10 different countries and meet twice a year to plan and monitor a number of areas. These include major annual events – the John Main Seminar, the retreat at Monte Oliveto, the Way of Peace events, also the International Newsletter, the School, the website, Medio Media, the International Office, the Director’s schedule and concerns.
In Ireland the Guiding Board was involved in the 1997 John Main Seminar given by President Mary McAleese and the Way of Peace initiative in Belfast with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2000. In addition many individuals and groups around the country receive the International Newsletter and the quarterly CD’s which are distributed worldwide with the assistance of the Guiding Board.
Fergal McLoughlin
Sat 24 May
Led by Rev Canon Timothy Kinahan
Edgehill Methodist Theological College,
Belfast
10 – 4pm
Tel Philomena McQuillan 07824826051
philomenamcquillan@hotmail.co.uk
30th May to 6th June
‘One Thing Necessary’. Contemplative Spirituality in an
Active Ministry. Led by Fr Laurence Freeman OSB with Bishop Michael
Putney in Rome.
Contact: catherine.charriere@gmail.com
2nd – 10th August
One week silent retreat. Monte Oliveto Italy. Led by Fr Laurence Freeman.
Contact: mail@wccm.org
Tel (+44) 20727892070
Fri 15-Sun 17 August
‘Unity// Local and Global’ Mainz, Germany
Dr Walter Kasper, President of The Pontifical Council for Promoting
Christian Unity, Vatican City et al.
www.jms2008.de or www.wccm.org
Mariya Plotzki email: info@jms2008.de
Fri 10 – Sun 12 October
‘The Breath in Meditation’
Fr Louis Hughes, OP
Drumalis, Larne, Co Antrim
Contact Elizabeth McStravick
Tel (028) 3832 3565
Any suggestions for inclusions in September’s newsletter gratefully received. Please send to: philomenamcquillan@hotmail.co.uk
Thank you.
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