A Three Week programme beginning Monday 14th November at Tobar Mhuire, Crossgar and Tuesday 15th November at the Houben Centre, Holy Cross, Ardoyne.
Each night from 7.00 – 9.15pm.
For further information or booking please telephone 028 44 830242 or send a direct message on our Facebook page.
Monday 21st November – Tobar Mhuire
Tuesday 22nd November – Houben Centre
Session1 – 7.00pm – 8.00pm
· Building Colonies of Heaven
The early Celtic saints believed they were creating "colonies of heaven" here on earth. This is a return to Eden in which God's original design of creation is lived as fully as possible as a form of witness. By its very nature, this vision is indicative and (re)conciliatory.
Session2 – 8.15pm – 9.15pm
· Harmony with Nature and All Creatures
Celtic spiritual vision does not mirror the world around it becomes part of it, living in harmony with nature and one another. Men and women become part of the environment in which they live and have a responsibility to it. This is the allegorical value of Celtic nature poetry and the stories of Celtic saints interacting with nonhuman creatures.
Monday 28th November – Tobar Mhuire
Tuesday 29th November – Houben Centre
Session1 – 7.00pm – 8.00pm
· Forgiveness and Healing
At the heart of Celtic spirituality is a recognition that all men and women are sinners but that this sin is a disease that can be healed through active repentance. This recognition evokes an awareness of the obligation of a sinner to forgive the sins of others, which is the beginning of reconciliation.
Session2 – 8.15pm – 9.15pm
· Hospitality and Sanctuary
The abbeys of the early Celtic church were places of hospitality which welcomed all strangers. Through their obligation to provide hospitality, they also became enclaves of peace which offered sanctuary to those needing their protection.
Monday 5th December – Tobar Mhuire
Tuesday 6th December – Houben Centre
Session1 – 7.00pm – 8.00pm
· Stories of Saints and Peace-Making
Among the stories of the early Celtic saints, there are many episodes describing the efforts of these men and women to promote peace in the communities around them. In this way, they extended their vision of "colonies of heaven" to the turbulent world outside their abbeys.
Session2 – 8.15pm – 9.15pm
· Fostering the Communion of Saints
The desire for reconciliation among the early Celtic saints emerged from their belief in the broader communion of saints in which they participated. They also saw all faithful believers as being living saints and felt their lives were enriched when new men and women joined this communion.