Constant rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of 700 women who filled St Mary’s Cathedral College Hall for the annual women’s Lenten retreat on 29 March.
The new record attendance was evidence of a growing movement of Sydney Catholic women who are “hungry” for our Lord and want to travel together in life and faith.
Offered originally each Lent by the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia in Regents Park, the retreat has been a partnership between the sisters and the archdiocesan Catholic Women’s Network since last year.
This time, women across Sydney and beyond heeded the call to evangelise by bringing a friend, sister, mother or other, with them for a day of spiritual talks, reflections and the opportunity for prayer and Eucharistic adoration.
Mass and the sacrament of reconciliation were highlights, with 20 priests kept busy hearing confessions throughout the day which was centred on Christ’s words, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16: 15).
Women of all ages and stages in relation to their faith were treated to talks from Srs Susanna Edmunds OP, Joanna Marie OP, Anastasia Reeves OP, and breakout sessions led by speakers including HeartFelt grief support founder Bridget Sakr.
Bridget who lost her young daughter Veronica to a drunk and drug-influenced driver in 2020, spoke of her journey of intense shock and grief to an attitude of daily surrender to God’s will.
Speaking of her forgiveness of the driver, Samuel Davidson, she said, “I didn’t want to be that person who took myself or my son away from God.”
“Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, are the words that went through my mind.
“In these words we admit that we are not perfect. We have faults and failings and trust in God’s infinite and inexhaustible mercy and compassion.”
Catholic Women’s Network project officer Helena Roumanus says Sydney is witnessing a growing movement of Catholic women determined to travel together in life and faith, and they were supported this time by some 40 volunteers.
“We had 702 seats and literally could not safely fit one more inside,” she told The Catholic Weekly.
“These women have turned up to receive something from Jesus, and the Dominican Sisters have done a beautiful job of leading women to reflect on who Jesus is for them and who they are to Jesus.
“So there’s a lot of deep questions being asked, a lot of stirring of hearts, time to spend quietly in the cathedral crypt with the Lord.
“It’s been a beautiful day, with much fruit being borne and it’s a real gift to be able to do this with the Dominican Sisters.”
Sr Cecilia Joseph OP said she was “just so pleased” at the number of retreatants, that so many of them brought others with them and took the opportunity to meet the Lord in confession and Eucharistic adoration.
“It’s a beautiful dynamic here today and it’s testament that women in Sydney love Jesus, their hearts are on fire and they are longing to be spiritually fed and nourished,” Sr Cecilia said.
Mother-of-six Ana Seric attends the retreat each year.
“Life is full and there’s never a dull moment, but this retreat has just had such an impact on me that I’ve made a commitment to make the time to do it each Lent, amid all the busyness of our family’s lives,” she said.
“It’s just a moment to pause and try to learn more and deepen my faith, because the fact is that truly living it can feel countercultural and lonely at times.
“It may sound corny but I draw strength and encouragement from other people who are on the same journey. I also treasure the time with Jesus in adoration here at the cathedral.”
For first-time retreatant Anita Setiawan said the day exceeded her expectations.
“I was deeply moved by the talks and the Dominican Sisters in particular were very wonderful,” she said.
“I’m going to Eucharistic adoration now and hopefully the Holy Spirit will help me to be still and reflect on what I’ve heard today.”
Also on offer in the cathedral precinct were expo stalls offering faith resources and inspiration, as well as Café Valerio—a mobile café whose proceeds support Somascan Mission projects.
Preceding the final talk of the day, given by Sr Reeves, was an hour of Adoration in the cathedral, allowing women the opportunity to bask in the blessed sacrament, go to confession, and receive a plenary indulgence.
Sr Reeves’ talk began with a retelling of the parable of the Good Samaritan and asked the audience to consider who their neighbours were and what kind of neighbour they are.
She also highlighted ways to express God’s love to other people who may not be in the faith, which included praying with people, talking about God, and examine how best to evangelise.
She also highlighted generating love and kindness as a way to share the Word and called upon those listening to forgive one who had wronged them or to own up to a previous misdeed and apologise.
The day concluded with the announcement that the archdiocese’s Sydney Centre for Evangelisation will host author, international speaker and podcast host Sr Miriam James Heidland SOLT on 27 September for the inaugural women’s conference titled “Anointed.”
Director of the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation Daniel Ang said the atmosphere was “rich with grace” and “a remarkable gathering of women in the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney.”
