Feast of the Sacred Heart – Celebration of Heart of Life 40 years.
40 years directors, Brian Gallagher MSC, 1983 - and Clare Shearman, 2022-
About 60 gathered at the Heart of Life Centre in Malvern to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart and 40 years of Heart of Life, established in 1983, staff, students, visitors.
Clare Shearman, the Director, welcomed everyone, acknowledging the owners of the land and affirming the MSC Chapter endorsing the Uluru, Voices from the Heart Statement.
The first item was the launching of the book continuing the History of Heart of Life 1983-2016, 2017-2022. Peter Malone was invited to speak on the highlights of recent history: vision, venues, directors, the centrality of the Siloam program for Spiritual Directors, noting that we have had more years of women directors than men!
Claire introduced Chris McPhee, Provincial Superior, who spoke of the recent history of Heart of Life and hopes for the future.
Chris presided at the Feast Day Eucharist.
Lunch followed,
the 40th Anniversary cake,
the screening of a video with pictures of the 40 years, prepared by manager, Susanah Tan – then a climax, the MSC and OLSH present singing the Ametur by Fr Tom Luby (which can be seen and heard on the Heart of Life Facebook page).
Brian Gallagher has produced a 40 years book of memories and testimonies from past staff and participants in the programs.
His book was launched by Kathy Cave, director of the Wellsprings Spirituality Centre – inviting Brian to speak of what Heart of Life has meant for him and those who have shared in the 40 years experience.
Claire presented Brian
and Chris McPhee with the first certificates for the Heart of Life Hall of Fame.
And some photos of those who gathered.
Including right Anne and Bernard Marmion, past participants, from Blackburn parish
Including left Jim and Adele Miller, past participants, members of Blackburn parish
Siloam full-time participants 2023, includiing our two Indonesian MSC, John and Petrus, our OLSH sister, Relida, from PNG, with Khoi who lecture next semester, and with their lecturer and tutor, Peter Malone. The students were the welcoming committee and worked in the kitchen and serving the lunch
Appreciation to Hoa MSC for the photos.
