28.02.2023
Much to Learn as Joint Clergy Retreat Continues in Jordan
Clergy from the United Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough are currently in Jordan for a joint retreat with clergy of our partner Diocese of Jerusalem. This is the ‘second leg’ of the retreat. Clergy from Jerusalem visited Dublin & Glendalough before Covid. Here, the Revd Ása Bjork Ólafsdóttir, Rector of Christ Church Dun Laoghaire reflects on the second day (first formal day) of their retreat on Monday February 27.
On Monday, we formally started the retreat with our colleagues and the Archbishop in the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East in the Fuheis Rosary Sister’s Retreat Centre in Jordan.
Some of us from Dublin and Glendalough had met a good few of our colleagues from the Holy Land both when they visited us in 2019 and also at the Pilgrimage we went on in 2017, among other interactions. It was touching to experience the growth amongst them and the excitement between the two groups.
This week we are working our way through the 1st Letter of Peter. Sessions on the five chapters will be lead by our two Archbishops, Hosam and Michael. Monday’s two sessions were led by Archbishop Hosam and after each session we had small group discussions, where four to five participants got together in each group and we shared our thoughts and experiences. As we come from very different cultural backgrounds, there is much learning and eye–opening happening already, though we all share the most important aspect, which is the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. These sessions are followed by personal reflection time.
We worshipped together, first with Holy Communion in the Chapel at 8:30, then prayer at noon and finally Compline after dinner.
The day was very full on, but before dinner we had longer reflection time where some retired to their rooms, others went for a walk and yours truly had a crocheting session in the 23° February sun and might be slightly pinkish, though having put on some protection.
God is good and we are grateful for the opportunity to take part in this joint retreat with our brothers and experience the hope, holiness and diversity in the region.