People young and old gathered together for an evening of prayer, formation and discussion in this year’s first “Grace and Truth” forum run by the Dominican sisters and friars at St Mary’s Cathedral in April.
More than 80 of Sydneysiders battled the dreary weather to come together for what was a lively and spirited evening.
Following vespers, Eucharistic adoration and Benediction in the cathedral crypt, Sr Elena Marie OP and Fr James Baxter OP presented talks on topics relating philosophy and faith.
The forums began in late 2024 to provide people from all demographics the chance to come together to discuss experiences and ways in which Catholics can work with grace to progress towards the ultimate truth which is God.
Fr William Loh OP presided over the vespers and Benediction, and later said that he could not be more pleased with the turnout.
“I was very impressed, not just by the numbers here but by the devotion of everyone this evening, and their solemnity in the crypt,” he said.
In the first talk, Sr Marie discussed the importance of a willingness to respond to God’s call and grow continually in virtue.
“We are invited to respond to, to consent to and to cooperate with God’s calling for us,” she said.
“The true good, the goal of the calling is to share in God’s kingdom.”
The second talk, a discussion of charity in the Gospels and St Thomas Aquinas’ philosophies, saw Fr Baxter recommend practical suggestions regarding how listeners could act out the “perfect charity” Aquinas contemplates in his writings.
Gratitude is “really important,” in ordinary, practical life as in faith, he counselled.
“We should also remember Mass is an act of charity itself, bringing us all together to partake in the Eucharist, and that devotion engages with perfect charity.”
For Hazel, who found out about the evening through attending the Dominican sisters’ “Women’s Lenten Retreat,” the evening inspired her to contemplate her own experience with charity and virtue.
“I wrote down around five pages of notes listening to Sr Elena, and [Fr James’] talk was really inspiring as well,” said Hazel. “The evening has been really good.”
Colleen, who has attended Grace and Truth since it began last year, said the talks were thought-provoking and inspiring and recommended the forum series to others.
“I think particularly what Sr Elena was conveying, that growth in virtue is a work of God’s grace, and that it will lead us closer to the truth, was very important,” said Colleen.
“To have the practical knowledge about how to effect virtuous and charitable acts I think is very important, and hopefully I can try and put these suggestions to the test.”
Forum organiser Sr Cecilia Joseph OP believes that these forums not only encourage more people to attend formative events within the church, but also to spur them to realise their “capacity for greatness.”
“We are delighted that so many people gave a few hours after work, uni or school to prioritise their life of faith,” she said.
“This evening has hopefully shown everyone that a life of virtue and holiness is possible, and that God has given us the key to our flourishing and happiness with [his] grace and friendship.”
The next Grace and Truth evening will be held on 18 July. More information can be found here.