Praying in Canterbury
Just between you and I, I’m not really at a Prayer Conference in Christchurch to work. I need this reconnection with prayer. Perhaps we all do?
It is all too easy to fall into the busyness of ‘being Christian’ and fail to find quality time for the Lord. How often, if we’re honest with ourselves, do we actually stop and pray?
I know that the answer for me is not often enough. I find I spend an hour writing a prayer yet fail to actually say the prayer myself. I intend to get out of bed at 6am to say a Rosary, but that bed is so warm and cosy I can't get out of it. I intend to go to midday Mass every day, but before I know it, the working day has been and gone. I intend to pray the Examen before going to sleep, but I’m snoring as soon my head hits the pillow. It means I’m missing out on the peace and love that prayer provides. I’m not entering into relationship with God, and I can’t fully operate without it.
So, when I saw there was a Diocesan prayer convention, I booked my flight saying very loudly to no-one in particular: “Great! A Catholic event I can write about and take some photos for evangelisation.” And it is, but I was also desperate to get here and just pray.
It is happening in Ashburton, a rural town an hour south of Christchurch, hosted by the Parish of Saint Augustine of Canterbury. The morning begins with Prayer and Adoration at Holy Name Church, where we sit in the true presence of Jesus. We enjoy the warmth of the Holy Spirit as we pray in silent communion. I look at my companions, and they are a mixture of people. Some sit alone, some in small groups or couples, just like any day at Mass. I have my camera ready, but using it feels uncomfortable in a sacred space, as it often does. So I don’t.
I will describe it instead.
Upon the altar is what we call a Monstrance. It looks like the sun radiating glorious heat. Within is a consecrated Host, where Jesus is truly present. The church is silent. Some Catholics kneel throughout, if they have the knees for it. Some bow so low they tough their forehead to the floor before taking a seat in a pew. I always find myself offering a deep curtsey to the Lord, as I would if I met a King. I spend some time on my knees, but they’re creaky customers who soon complain, so I sit in silence and pray, focussing on the Monstrance. The smell of incense is heavy and cleansing.
The priest comes to take the Host away, and we sing together in praise of Jesus. If you have never been to Adoration, do try it. Just copy everyone else if you feel uncomfortable. As long as you are respectful of the Holiness of Adoration, there is no right or wrong. I have seen people sitting on the floor in the aisle throughout, and I have seen people just sitting in their pew in quiet prayer.
Then we enjoy our opening Mass, celebrated by Bishop Michael Gielen (pictured).
Over in the hall, there is a morning tea provided by some kind volunteers, followed by a brilliant talk by Jemma Brunton, who spent many years as the Director of Hearts Aflame Catholic Summer school for young adults. Jemma speaks about the ten lessons she has learned about Prayer, and I find myself inspired to get up half an hour early each day to emulate her practice.
Break out workshops throughout the day consist of Growing in Holiness through the Holy Spirit, looking at the Mass as a form of Prayer, Prayer journalling, and praying with the Saints. I choose ‘An introduction to St. Teresa of Avila and the Interior Castle’ followed by a look at ‘Praying the Divine Hours’. Both talks were truly inspiring, and I’m still processing what I learned.
St Teresa was declared a doctor of the Church with good reason – her work is relevant and important even today. The Interior Castle is a difficult book to read, yet so worth it, as St Teresa takes the reader through the stages of faith using the analogy of a castle formed like the facets of a crystal. There are many facets, rooms and layers. I will be rereading it soon.
The Divine Hours are the prayers that occur throughout the day for our priests and religious. This way of praying is a wonderful way of embracing the Psalms which, as Cameron Surrey, the facilitator, pointed out, are the prayers that Jesus prayed. That comment has made me look at the Psalms and the Old Testament in a completely different light. Through praying with the Psalms and the Old Testament, we can become closer to Christ on many levels. I don’t intend to pray the entire Liturgy of the Hours, but I have downloaded an app and set my phone’s alarm to pray at least three times a day. I pray I can stick to it!
Bishop Michael Gielen is the Keynote speaker in the afternoon, and he takes us through the Lord’s Prayer. I filmed his presentation, and if you would like to watch an abridged version, please click on the YouTube link below. There is a longer version on the Christchurch Diocese YouTube channel.
The day ends with Adoration and an opportunity for Confession, with Cameron Surrey leading us in the afternoon prayers of the Divine Office. He has a beautiful voice, and this is an excellent way to end the conference - incredibly sacred and peaceful.
What a privilege to be present at such a valuable day.
My takeaways:
- Make time for prayer – this is always possible, even if you have to wake up a little earlier
- Make prayer part of a regular routine
- Pray in a variety of ways
- Apps can help enormously – My favourites are Hallow and Universalis