THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES

The Spiritual Exercises

The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius consist in a programme of prayer and meditation with the aim of heightening and deepening our relationship with Christ and our joy in our creator God, who is in love with each one of us. Although the programme is rather formally set out, the experience is always unique and personal, and frequently becomes a life-changing event. The Exercises are particularly appropriate when our lives seem to have become rather meaningless and empty, or when we feel ourselves at a turning-point.

Traditionally they are ‘given’ over the course of a thirty day silent retreat. But they can also be followed as a scheme of regular prayer in ‘daily life’ over, typically, an eight month period.

During the last few years I have directed several people from the anglophone community in Luxembourg in the Exercises in ‘daily life’. I would be happy to do so again during this coming school year, starting in the autumn, for anyone who is interested and prepared to ‘take the risk’, and to make the necessary commitment of time.

If you want to find out more, or think you might be interested, please contact me either on 621 31 91 10 or by email: sjmc@pt.lu . All contact and discussion is confidential. Steve McCarthy.

Steve McCarthy

**CANDLELIGHT VIGIL**

Date: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 from 18:30 – 19:30

Place: On the forecourt of the cathedral

Purpose:
For all who would like to show their support of the Church at this time of dialog with the State. It is very important for others to see that there are still many people and families who believe, and who would like to practice their faith freely, here in Luxembourg. We would like to send our message in calm and peaceful manner; each person will hold a candle and remain in silence during one hour.

This is not a protest or a demonstration: simply a manifestation: Christians, often invisible in society, gathering in public, simply to say that we are here.

Who is welcome? All Christians and friends who wish to support this event are welcome, of all ages!

This event, whilst it has not been organised by the ‘official’ church, has the support of Archbishop Hollerich.

If you cannot stay for the full hour, come along for a part and show your solidarity. And pray for dry weather!

CONFIRMATION update

Thank you to all parents and young adults who attended the Confirmation meeting on Sunday 11 November. I inadvertantly omitted one item: If you do not regularly attend Mass at Hollerich or St Alphonse, please obtain a letter from the parish priest where you do attend, giving his permission for your young adult to make confirmation in Hollerich. This procedure is routine, and is usual for the celebration of any of the Sacraments of initiation and for marriage. Thank you. Fr Ed.