Michelle Scully, Director of the Peacemakers Program at Mount Saint Benedict Monastery, introduces Mary Dwyer and Juan Llarena to seekers gathered in the monastery chapel for a session on Centering Prayer. Mary, a long-time student of the American Trappist monk Thomas Keating, gave a brief introduction to the prayer form. As she noted, her short presentation was a very abbreviated version of a much longer learning process. At the core, though, Centering Prayer is about "the intention to be loved into life." It is a simple practice that invites us into our “inner room” where we can close the door.
Mary's husband Juan is a commissioned Centering Prayer facilitator and he led those gathered in a twenty-minute prayer session after Mary's presentation.
The evening was part of the Benedictine Peacemaker's curriculum. The Peacemakers is a new year-long immersion program for young women who live at the monastery during their Peacemaker year. Monastic and spiritual formation is a component of the program and, when possible, the offerings are opened to the public. Sign up for our monthly email, Good Zeal Zine, to be notified of future events.
If you are called to silent prayer, consider attending a Stillpoint silent retreat that is offered once a month at Glinodo Center across from the monastery. Juan also facilitates the centering prayer group at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul on Thursday evenings.
You can also visit the Contemplative Outreach website. Thomas Keating was a founding member of Contemplative Outreach.
