25th May 2010
Congratulations on yet another amazing evening for women (and a few brave men!!) on 25th May. I had not been to one of these evenings until 2008, but after that wonderful experience of hearing the stories of extraordinary women as well as being transported by the beautiful music, I vowed never to miss this event in the future.
This year’s experience was just as inspirational as the previous two and I look forward to next year – I wonder what the organising committee will think up for that night!
Many thanks for a life changing experience.
Julie Kelly
Another Reflection on the Women’s Night of Spirituality 2010
It is always with a sense of privilege that I step into St. Mary’s church on a weeknight in May. The atmosphere is different from Sunday Mass......it is buzzing with anticipation, discussions of past nights, questions about those who will speak tonight. Many of the women present have actually begun the evening by sharing a meal with friends in one of many local restaurants, celebrating already the excitement that is this night.
I am a visitor to this parish, as many on the night are, and yet I feel so very welcome into the intimacy of this sacred space – intimate even though the church is vast and filled with hundreds of people come to participate in what has become, for some, almost a pilgrimage every year. Someone told me that is how she felt about this occasion. A pilgrimage for women.
This year the three women - Elsie Heiss, Bonnie Boezeman and Julie Smith – told of their lives filled with unspeakable sadness, enormous challenges, opportunities for uniting, educating and forgiving others. Each of them were, in turn, earnest, revealing and vulnerable in front of us. What I have found fascinating as I have listened over the years is that no matter what life has thrown at these women, they seem to become stronger and less vulnerable in the telling of their stories. And that women “get it” even if they haven’t necessarily experienced it.
Julie spoke in the third person of her life story which gave a beautiful perspective to it – that this was not isolated to her, that this was a story and experience which was shared by many of her people. Bonnie told of the tragedy of her childhood which, by her own determination and faith, transformed her life into one of service for others. Elsie touched us with her passion for life which bears the hallmarks of suffering and her desire to educate other women. All three women are evidence of the strength that comes from living a real life and so humble when speaking of their achievements.
The gifts of stories told in song were equally moving:
Jo Kenderes’ self-penned song “Just one moment” was an amusing and touching reflection on motherhood and one many could relate to!
Shine On, sung by the wonderful parish choir is a spiritual and moved us all with its powerful voices and deep emotion.
I Believe was a stunning musical finale, reminding us in such a powerful way of the depth of our longing for a real relationship with Our Lord.
As always, women I spoke with in the days following all have a common bond – a delicious secret shared with many who heard and know. Thank you to all who make these nights possible, for giving so many the chance to be humbled, entertained and renewed in faith. I am in awe of the ordinary woman who becomes extraordinary when she boldly stands and tells her story.
Annie MacNamara