A two day workshop was held from 13- 15 March at the recently opened Christian Meditation Retreat Centre at the Monastery of Christ the King, Cockfosters.
The event was the very first UK School for priests and ministers on the teaching of Christian Meditation. We came from Lancashire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Kent and London. Two were Roman Catholic, and three Anglican.
The programme was led by Fr Laurence Freeman and Liz Watson. It included the history of the tradition, our own personal spiritual journeys and the significance of Christian Meditation for us. On the second day, each of us gave a short talk introducing meditation to an imaginary but specific audience, and the whole group then shared in the evaluation of the presentations in a supportive but not uncritical atmosphere. Later we had a questions and answers session, where each of the participants answered likely questions from an imaginary ‘audience’. We also had an address from Fr Laurence on psychological aspects of the stages of the journey in meditation, dealing with the level and kind of distractions that are likely to be encountered by anyone embarking on meditation. The final morning began with an informal contemplative Eucharist, followed by a final session on the need for contemplation in contemporary priesthood. Meditation was practised regularly, and there were opportunities for joining the monastic community in Morning Prayer and Mass.
The group very much appreciated the planning and skilful leadership provided by Liz and the interest, presence and input of Fr Laurence at mealtimes as well as during the sessions, meditation and Mass. We also appreciated the intimacy provided by a small group as we got to know each other, rejoiced in each other’s stories and priestly ministries, and marvelled at how God’s grace works through the varied circumstances of our lives. Accommodation and food were excellent.
Graeme Watson, London, 22 March 2006.
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