I am a retired nurse and I have lived most of my life in northern and western Queensland. I was born in Charters Towers and educated at rural schools in Winton and Charters Towers. My nursing work took me to rural and remote communities as well as some city and large regional areas. I commenced formation in spiritual direction through the Townsville House of Prayer and Spirituality about four years ago. In addition I have almost completed a Masters of Spiritual Direction through ACU as part of the Arrupe program of the former Jesuit College of Spirituality in Melbourne. At present I am accompanying three exercitants through Annotation 19 Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius. This takes approximately 32 weeks though sometimes longer as life interrupts most people’s journey occasionally. I am accompanying several other people in spiritual direction and have recently commenced facilitating reflection days and other contemplative prayer sessions.
Favourite Scripture: John 10:10b “I have come that they may have life, life in all its fullness.
Favourite Book: The Book of Tobit – such comfort in these ordinary people’s lives.
Favourite Movie: Bebette’s Feast
Favourite Quote: “All was well, all is well, and all will be well.” My own adaptation of Julian of Norwich’s and I realised today that this is what the Glory Be says also.
Memorable Moment: Many years ago I attended the opening of a residential AA program for men on Palm Island. As I listened and observed the men, many of whom I knew through my work as a nurse, I had the sudden realisation that these people really loved each other. It was a spell binding moment and I felt as though God was asking me to look out from his window, rather than my own. My perspective on life changed quite radically as I reflected on this and I still, after nearly 40 years, see this day as my real birth to life in its fullness.