SigN - Gathering Together in Faith

At our October 2008 Gathering Sheila Cassidy gave two inspiring addresses based on her experiences and reflecting upon what she learned over the years.  The initial talk was the story of her time in Chile in the 1970's when I was asked, by two of the Santiago Jesuits,  to treat a man on the run from the secret police.  The weeks that followed were a time of terrible pain, fear and loneliness, but also ones  of particular closeness to God.  Sheila reflected upon how she believed this experience prepared her for her later work with men and women facing death from cancer.

As a spiritual director, I found something Sheila said about the Chinese character for 'Listening' which inspires her listening approach in her work:

When I have to teach doctors and nurses about my work I show them the Chinese character for listening. It is a composite sign. It includes a sign for listening with the ear -you must hear a person's story, but also the tone of their voice, the inflections, the break when they are near to tears. Then there is a sign for the eye - I make eye contact but I also take in the person's dress, face and body posture; people usually change posture dramatically when they are afraid or ashamed. Finally there is a sign for the heart - we must listen with the heart, allow the person's pain to enter into us or vice versa, experiencing it as if it were our own. These are the attributes of the good listener;

Quiet Days 2009

Strengthening the Ignatian Network

Each of the days are from 10am until 4pm. Donations are invited. If you would like to attend the Quiet Days please contact the editor of sign

If you would like to arrange a Quiet Day —please contact Eugenia Geraghty via the Editor.

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