In a sense, deepening one’s faith can feel a little like learning a new language. It can be difficult and requires intention, patience and the discipline of a daily practice so as to build fluency. Careful listening is required to appreciate discrete nuance and delicate shifts in understanding.
About twelve years ago, I made a decision to focus on my Christian faith. The spirituality of Saint Benedict appealed to me greatly with its emphasis on hospitality. Tired seekers can find a spiritual home with rest and respite from a busy world, amongst the welcoming hospitality of a praying Benedictine community.
This generous theme of hospitality under the Rule of St Benedict is complimented by a sensitivity for beauty, evidenced by the natural beauty of a monastic setting, exhibiting God’s grace and glory in creation and the joy of nature, and in the beauty of slow liturgy, chant and prayer. There is also within Benedictine spirituality an attention to learning and scholarship.
Over many years the monks of Glenstal have given talks on faith and prayer for those seeking meaning. These talks continue today. Many of us have had the privilege of attending the Lenten or Advent talks, conferences or the Easter Triduum at Glenstal, all opportunities for fostering a connection with the hidden and unseen God.
There are different ways in which we can immerse ourselves in matters of faith and learn of the need for conversion. Some years ago, like some others associated with Glenstal, I took up a Higher Diploma in Theological Studies (HDTS), at Saint Patrick’s Pontifical University Maynooth, upon the recommendation of Father Luke Macnamara OSB. This has today led to a Research Masters.
The HDTS is one approach which can help a person explore faith, or “fill in the gaps” and facilitate part-time learning while working, or undertaking other life commitments. It has certainly enhanced my theological education and appreciation of the
Bible, the Old Testament, the Gospels and the hidden meaning and complexity of symbolism and metaphor in such sacred writings.
This programme delivered by the faculty of theology
at Maynooth – in which Glenstal’s Father Luke serves as Dean – also covers Church history and tradition, the study of world religions, Christian social teaching and some philosophy. Ultimately it offers another way of drawing near to the person of Jesus, the centre of Christian faith.
For anyone who would like to delve further into
an enriching faith experience, they could take a look at the course at https://sppu.ie/courses/higher-diploma-in-theological-studies
Audrey O’Sullivan
Oblate of Glenstal Abbey