High school students were given a rare opportunity to hear from the Director of the World Community for Christian Meditation, Laurence Freeman, last month, when the Benedictine monk visited Canberra to share his insights on faith, focus and finding balance. Source: Catholic Voice.
The Senior Student Forum brought together students from St Mary MacKillop College, McAuley Catholic College Tumut, St Clare’s College, St John Paul II College, Daramalan College, Merici College, St Francis Xavier College, Marist College Canberra and St Edmund’s College.
“My biggest takeaway was that stillness and silence can always be an influential form to be able to understand ourselves better and strengthen our own relationship with God,” Marist student Yousif Al-Shikhly said.
“I found it captivating how he was able to highlight that meditation is not just about emptying your mind, but it is also about creating space to become more focused and to be more mindful of what the meaning of life is. He also showed me that prayer and reflection can take on many forms, not just through speaking but also listening to others.”
For fellow student Isaac Scarano, the session challenged his understanding of work and purpose. He said Fr Laurence encouraged students to look beyond careers driven by stress and money and instead pursue work that brought out the best in themselves and served others.
“This version of work brings true fulfilment that no amount of money can compare to,” Isaac said. “Since learning about Christian Meditation, it has taken up a large part of my life. Following Fr Laurence’s guide, I spend 20 minutes in the morning and evening in Christian Meditation. This has quickly become an integral part of my life, helping me to experience Christ’s love deeper within my heart.”
Student Charlie Caldwell agreed, noting the practice had helped him regulate stress and anxiety in his personal life.
“It can be a very powerful tool in calming down and focusing any emotions in a healthy way,” he explained. “It has also allowed me to further strengthen my relationship with God, which was something I previously had not put as much effort into as I should have.”
Nathan Ahearne, Assistant Head of School – Mission and Identity at Marist College, said the forum encouraged deep reflection among students.
“There was a tremendous spirit throughout the forum as Fr Laurence shared his wisdom and insights about prayer, balance and community.”
FULL STORY
Students find stillness as global meditation leader visits Canberra (By Veronika Cox, Catholic Voice)
