Spiritual Retreats were held recently in Parkes and Broken Hill, both lovingly crafted and led by Sr Elizabeth Young RSM, Wilcannia-Forbes Central Council Spiritual Adviser.

The theme for the retreats was “Living from the Centre”, focusing on St Paul’s Letter to the Philippians: “I can do all things through God who strengthens me.” 

Participants reflected on questions such as: What is the centre that grounds you through the highs and lows? Why does St Vincent de Paul inspire you? 

This theme nourished connection with purpose and the supportiveness of our spirituality. 

Those in attendance - including members, volunteers and local parishioners - found the content especially fitting. The openness of the material allowed individuals to draw various conclusions, resonating with them personally. Times for sharing provided opportunities to discuss or just listen. 

Sr Elizabeth commented that it was very enriching for everyone to connect at a deeper level and share experiences and reflections that make meaning of our lives. 

“The Holy Spirit was surely at work throughout the day, and especially in our prayer time at the end, as we prayed for those who suffer and were prayed for in moving words,” David McIvor, former Broken Hill Regional President, said. 

Peter Houweling, NSW State Council President, attended both retreats and thanked the members for so warmly welcoming both him and Leo Tucker, who leads Mission & Formation for the Society in NSW. 

“A special thank you to Sister Elizabeth for your guidance and support throughout the retreat,” Peter said. “As a past President General of the Society once noted, ‘Our founders conceived our vocation as a harmonious balance between spiritual life and a social involvement,’ and our visit was truly that.”  

Leo Tucker especially enjoyed the retreat’s discussion of individual and collective narratives, ‘Our History’, ‘My Story’, and ‘Our Story’, and time for quiet Lectio Divina; meditation and sharing of personal insights on the scriptures. 

“The sharing was open and deeply respectful. Congratulations and thank you to all for the invitation and the opportunity to grow in my spiritual journey,” Leo shared.

Appendix:  

A Letter from David McIvor to Sister Elizabeth, including a Message to Broken Hill & Wilcannia-Forbes Vincentians, and David’s Prayer for Vincentians 
 
“Dear Sister Elizabeth 

As you prepare for the upcoming Vincentian workshop in Broken Hill, I wanted to share a personal reflection and prayer that comes from my heart, and from deep gratitude for the Vincentian family. 

During my time with the Vincentians of Broken Hill and the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese, I have witnessed extraordinary faith – expressed through prayerfulness, humility, kindness, and selfless service. This reflection is a small attempt to honour that spirit. 

Reflection and Prayer – David McIvor 

To the Vincentians of Broken Hill and the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese: 

Through your hands and hearts, I have seen the Gospel come alive - in the meal centre, the shop, the work of our conferences, your visits to prisons, and the friendships you offer those on the margins. I have seen Christ in your actions - every time you provided a warm meal, spoke a kind word, listened without judgement, or reached out in compassion. 

You have stood firm in the face of immense challenges. We live in a time where homelessness is growing - especially among women reaching retirement with nowhere to go. Domestic violence wounds families, poverty persists, and the environment suffers in silence. Consumerism dulls our sense of purpose. We too often live by our own plans rather than God’s, forgetting the Gospel call to serve and love with abandon. 

Yet through it all, you remain faithful. You serve with humility and hope. You don’t just speak the Gospel - you live it. 

As I walk this personal journey with pancreatic cancer, your prayers, your words, and your love have brought me peace. I pray that I may carry this cross with the same grace and strength I have seen in you. 

And so, I offer this Prayer: