Prayerfully sharing on the referendum
A spiritual conversation evening on the 8th amendment took place at the Jesuit Centre of Spirituality and Culture in Galway for different groups connected to the centre on 14 May 2018.
Eddie Cosgrove SJ, director of the Jesuit centre, explains: “This evening came about thanks to a polite but firm challenge from a teacher at Colaiste Iognaid. We had been collecting articles, praying, and sharing on this issue at our team meetings.
“Spurred into action, we decided to invite others into an experience of spiritual conversation, beginning with prayer in a large group, and then sharing on our prayer and readings in small groups.” Spiritual conversation is based on the belief that God speaks through each person as they share on their prayer.
At the packed event, a participant remarked: “This was a unique approach to exploring this issue”. Another shared: “What I appreciated most about the evening was that it was a safe space where I could share what I believe and also listen to others”.
“Personally, I felt consoled hearing how God was guiding each person in my small group,” said Eddie. “And I feel that providing a safe space for people of faith to pray together, share and listen on this issue was worthwhile.”