Spirituality in mid life is key theme for forthcoming meeting of Religious

Source: CoR

Members of religious congregations are gathering later this month in west London for their first 'in person' large meeting since before the pandemic. Whilst some congregational leaders met last October, the traditional 'General Meeting' - drawing together a broad spectrum of congregations and organised by the Conference of Religious - hasn't taken place since 2019. The guest speaker, Sr Una Agnew SSL, is travelling from Ireland to address the theme: "The Spiritual Challenges of the second half of life: The complex task of growing up!"

Sr Una, who has written and lectured widely on spiritual topics comments:

"The spiritual well-being of the second half of life (from 40 onwards), is a potential that needs to be explored even as it is happening within us and among us. While mid-life is a pivotal milestone in our development, later life makes us more keenly aware of the transition from active living to active being. In all cases we cross the threshold into deeper soul time with an opportunity to reset our life goals. There is a popular saying that states: 'Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.' To grow up, new levels of consciousness are required and a new depth of spirituality for older and younger alike. The soul's song continues to reverberate and gain momentum as we move through the stages of life. Ultimately, we take hold of the opportunities and challenges that each stage of life has to offer."

The Vice-President of the Conference of Religious, Sr Ellen Flynn DC, said the gathering - at the Claretian Oasis in Hayes - would be an important moment for people of different congregations to come together for a day of reflection:

"The CoR Executive is looking forward to welcoming a large number of Religious for what will be our first 'in person' General Meeting for some time. One of our ongoing objectives is to boost inter-congregational collaboration, amid the common challenges facing many of us and this meeting is a valuable chance for encounter and discussion after such a lengthy period of meeting on zoom."

Sr Una Agnew is a St Louis Sister who taught for many years at the Milltown Institute in Dublin. Sr Una studied spirituality at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, USA and completed her PhD in literature at University College Dublin and is a founder member of the All Ireland Spiritual Guidance Association & actively involved in Spiritual Directors in Europe.

Last minute places are still available: Religious requiring a booking form can email: communications@corew.org