Maria Formosa, shares her experience of visiting CLC Ireland's Day of Prayer.
David and I have recently returned from a visit to CLC Ireland in response to an invitation extended to our
national community to attend their national day of prayer. On the Friday evening we were welcomed by members of the national team at the Jesuit retreat centre at Manresa House, Dublin. After an enjoyable dinner where we got to meet and chat to people from all over Ireland, we all took part in a very peaceful and meaningful liturgy built around the idea of our commitment as CLC members to building
the kingdom of God. The night was finished off with a social gathering with much warmth and laughter (and chocolate, which is always good!).
Saturday morning was devoted to readings, input and meditations on the importance of making space for silence in our lives. After a time of personal prayer we met together in small groups to share. As is often the case with CLC, there was a real sense of acceptance and respectful listening in the small group that I was part of. Just before lunch the community had a meeting where reports were made by the various groups and a former member of CLC England & Wales, Myra Fahy, was elected on to the national team.
After lunch the subject of the input and sharing was discernment and its central role in what it means to be Ignatian. Unfortunately, I had been struck down by a migraine and so did not participate in this. However, for me the most significant thing about the day was the authentic concern that everyone expressed for my well being. This real concern touched me very much.
The day finished with Mass led by the Chaplain Fr Michael Gallagher SJ and once again I was struck by the real sense of community that CLC Ireland seem to have. Since they are a relatively small community it made me think that community is not so much about how many people are members but about a sense of belonging and shared faith… ”Where two or three meet together there also am I”. The mass ended with Myra being commissioned to her new role on the national team with the simple handing
over of a single candle from the altar. I found this small symbolic act quite moving.
We had a lovely time in Ireland and are both very grateful that we got the chance to go. Their openness and hospitality to us as strangers in their midst was a great gift and a reminder that as CLC members we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
CLC Ireland has about 40 full members but has been established from the very start of
the reformed CLC in 1967. They have been represented at every World/European assembly since 1968. For a number of years there has been close links between our two communities, exchanging delegates to each others’ assemblies and national events.
Why not pay a visit to their website: http://www.clc-ireland.com
