The Augustinian Friars in Britain

Our Hearts are Restless until they Rest in You, Lord

Augustinian Friends Weekend at Clare Priory        22 - 24 Feb 2008

 

On 22-24 February 2008, around 28 people gathered at Clare Priory for the Augustinian Friends weekend. The theme was ‘Social Responsibility of the Laity’ and the speakers were Fr Wim Sleddens OSA, a former Assistant General, and Jean Carbonera, a human rights lawyer working for the Augustinians in Rome. Most of the Province’s parishes were represented, including several Clare parishioners, and lay people from Germany and the Netherlands also attended. Christine Wright, an Australian living in London, took part in the weekend with husband, Paul, and shares her experience in the following article:

Any excuse will do…

In early January I found out about the young adults weekend. ‘Sounds great, I should attend’ I told myself. Two weeks later I thought, ‘I must remember to book for the young adults weekend.’ Another week later, ‘I am quite busy that weekend, maybe I should just give it a miss’. When I finally took the time to register, I found out that it was booked up. There it was, the perfect excuse to get out of attending. ‘Well, I tried’ I told myself.

 

Fortunately however, through terrific planning by those involved in organising the weekend and the power of God, a place became available for me on the weekend. Excuses were no longer valid and it was up to me to make the effort to attend.

 

“You made us so that we long for You, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” Augustine of Hippo

 

Are they’re a little weird!?!

Friday night after work, slightly anxious and a little nervous as to what lay ahead, I set off for the weekend retreat. Within two hours, I arrived at Clare Priory, a quaint little Augustinian house in Suffolk…(one of the oldest religious houses in England I’m told!)

 

A small crowd began to gather as people arrived during the evening; many were unknown to one another. For me, I only knew one person within 100 miles, and to be honest first impressions suggested that the people attending this retreat might be little weird. Though, hearing my Australian accent, I’m sure that they felt the same about me!

 

But so it was, and a short time later, this small crowd enjoyed a few quiet drinks and a few (not so quiet) laughs together. The true international flavour of the weekend began to reveal itself, and slowly but surely I realized that the ‘weirdos’ were just like me. Everyday, normal people looking for some spiritual guidance. Singles, couples, and young families. Those from Europe, those from the Americas and those from further a field.

 

As the night drew to a close I was still a little apprehensive but looking forward to starting a new day all the same.

 

“The sound of Your secret melody I could not catch, no matter how hard I tried. My heart was deafened by the din of my mind” Augustine of Hippo

 

Saturday

Up bright and early for the most important meal of the day. We then met for Morning Prayer where Patrick led us in some beautiful Celtic reflections.

 

The morning session was presented by Fr Wim Sleddens OSA from the Netherlands who spoke about the Confessions of St. Augustine of Hippo. Fr Wim’s insight provided the basis for interesting discussions around the Confessions, challenging each of us to interpret what St Augustine’s writings meant to us personally.

 

Following lunch was free time, providing many with an opportunity to walk around the town of Clare (beautiful!), enjoy the peace of the Priory or simply reflect in prayer (or for some, time for an afternoon siesta with their full tummies). Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I certainly had the opportunity to refocus on what was really important in life.

 

When we resumed for the afternoon session, Jean Carbonera, a human rights lawyer working for the Augustinians in Rome, spoke around the topic of social responsibility of the laity. The talk specifically looked at the creation of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the benefits that this may hold for the Augustine community. It certainly provided the basis for discussions, (both at the time and thereafter), between the Friends of Augustine and the Augustinian Friends about how an NGO might be applicable to these two groups.

 

With our minds bursting with inspiration, the evening session was much more relaxed and gave me the opportunity to really get to know others on the retreat (it also gave my mind a chance to rest from all that inspiration!). Dinner, followed by a few drinks, followed by a few sing-a-longs really brought the ‘team’ together, allowing everyone a chance to engage with one another. The singing may have been poor but the company was top shelf. “The winner takes it all!!!!...”

 

“It is difficult in a crowd to see Christ. Our soul needs solitude. In solitude, if we are attentive, God allows himself to be seen.” Augustine of Hippo

 

Sunday

After a quick few slices of Tesco’s finest, it was off to Sunday Mass with the Clare Parish – a true case of toast and Host. The Mass in the old Church was beautiful - a tight-nit community celebrating together, singing and truly living the Word of God. For me, it really felt like I had ‘come home’ (despite the fact I had never ventured to Clare prior to the weekend). A quick cuppa after Mass and I was truly reminded of what Sunday’s are all about.

 

A quick mid-morning debrief gave us the opportunity to discuss key topics of the weekend and provided plenty of stimulus for future activities/ideas.

 

Just as my stomach came to life and reminded me that breakfast was a few hours ago, Lunch was served – a traditional English roast. Good stuff! A few stories from the night before were shared, then sadly, departures for home began.

 

“At the well where Our Lord sat down to rest great mysteries took place.” Augustine of Hippo

 

Going forward

The retreat has provided some solid foundations for a number of great things going forward. Whilst not easy to translate into ‘normal’ life, we do now have the opportunity:

· to work together to support the activities of the Augustine movement

· to engage with our new found friends in our faith journey

· to draw upon experiences and share these with others

 

The weekend was a great success, but not without the efforts of a great many. To all those involved in hosting, supporting, catering and caring for us on the weekend, thank you! Special thanks to Michela for all the ground work she did in organising the weekend.

 

“Let my soul not tire of remembering Your kindness in rescuing me from my careless ways.” Augustine of Hippo

 

Christine Wright

March 2008