With Holy Week and the celebration of Easter approaching, this Carmelite Conversation incorporated the theme of the 2025 Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope” and reflections on “Mystical Hope.” How do we ‘access’ and foster the hope that does not disappoint? It considered the source of our hope and thoughts expressed by various Carmelite writers on the Divine Indwelling. It invited conversation in response in relation to our own experiences, our call to be pilgrims of hope and the challenges of living in today’s world.
A replay of the recording can be found at https://youtu.be/k5XQhA4pjtI
The presentation slides can be accessed here.
Below is feedback received from 2 participants who were at the live session.
Thank you Bernadette for your beautiful presentation on Wednesday – “The Doorway to Mystical Hope”. I loved what EVERYONE had to say! For me, a doorway certainly opened to my heart – a heart that had closed itself to hope as I knew it. With all the destruction and shocking leadership of many in power, how could so much evil come from those at the top? I had to change what I was doing. I’ve stopped watching so much news … instead I turn on some beautiful music. I read one newspaper on Sunday. I’ve forgiven a friend and made an Easter phone call.
I’ve done what Bernadette spoke about when confronted by “What can I do?” I can only do what’s in my power – and that is, being there for those around me; helping and giving where I can; being kind and smile at those who seem to be sad and broken. It’s not often possible to do any more. And so, I’ve taken Natalie’s word “trust” and decided to trust once again in the power of hope. Because as the quote from Cynthia Bourgeault says, Mystical Hope “lives a life of its own, without reference to external circumstances…”. I found the images of Pope Francis standing at the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica AND Rebibbia Prison particularly moving. “God be with you” Chloe
I found today’s session on MYSTICAL HOPE, presented by Bernadette, most helpful at this busy time of the year on the eve of Easter, and also in the climate of anxiety that our society, even here in Australia, seems to be surrounded by. We are living in what seems like global chaos, and if we let our Spirit get drawn away from our faith in God, then we too can become overwhelmed. The points on the slides which drew me to a place of consolation, peace and focus were:
The Jubilee year calls us:
· to go WITHIN and open the door
· to let free God’s Spirit that has been poured into our hearts.
· to encourage others to open their own interior door.
· to BE hope in today’s world.
· to believe in the hope that does not disappoint.
Gabrielle
The Papal document announcing the Jubilee Year is called “Spes non confundit” which means: “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5) This document can be found here.
The title “Mystical Hope” comes a book by the same name by Cynthia Bourgeault. It describes “how to recognize hope in our own lives, where it comes from, how to deepen it through prayer, and how to carry it into the world as a source of strength and renewal.”
About the presenter: Bernadette has a long history of engagement with Carmelite Spirituality. She has been working at the Carmelite Centre as a Spiritual Director since 2012 and also later as the Planning Co-ordinator and Website Administrator. She has presented a number of Carmelite Conversations over the years. In 2024 she completed a Master of Spirituality at the University of Divinity.
This Carmelite Conversation is part of the regular program at The Carmelite Centre Melbourne. www.thecarmelitecentremelbourne.org It is on the second Wednesday of every month, at 10.30 on zoom.