An Evening of Hope and Reflection at the FCJ Centre

In the evening of June 2, the FCJ Christian Life Centre hosted a gathering of solidarity to create an opportunity to pause, pray, and reflect on the hope and renewal that the Jubilee Year brings to us in our everyday lives.

The program opened with a welcome remark from Sr. Ann Marie Walsh, fcJ, who invited everyone to introduce themselves.

The evening moved into a beautiful moment as the song “Open the Eyes of My Heart” played. As the music filled the Chapel, participants were invited to write down names or prayers on small slips of paper. These notes were then gathered in a basket and offered, to be prayed over collectively, as the evening continued.

Patricia Harasym, one of the Faithful Companions of Jesus’ Spiritual Directors and Resource person, led the group in a practice of Lectio Divina, a traditional Christian practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer intended to promote communion with God. After the first reading of the chosen passage, participants were invited to share a word or phrase that stood out to them. As the Scripture was read a second time, participants were encouraged to reflect more on why that word or phrase spoke to their heart, helping open a window into each person's spiritual journey.

The question, “What is God inviting you to hope for this evening?” stirred a quiet time of personal insight to ponder on the question. As the evening skies darkened, Sr. Ann Marie read a “Blessing of Hope” by Jan Richardson, and the night ended with a prayer rooted in Romans 15:13:“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in your faith, so that in the power of the Holy Spirit you may be rich in hope.”

The event concluded with the participants gathered over cups of tea and shared cookies, continuing the spirit of togetherness, sharing stories and meaningful conversations. #