From 16-19 July 2003 the Faith & Light Communities of South Africa welcomes Jean Vanier to Cape Town to lead an open retreat focusing on the Gospel of John.

He is the co-founder of this wonderful worldwide ministry and also the founder of the L’arche communities throughout the world. He is a great and inspiring theologian and author of many Christian books and publications. Among the books of Jean Vanier are the titles: “The Broken Body”, “Community and Growth”, “ Man and Woman, He made Them”, “Jesus, The Gift of Love” and many more.

Jean is visiting South Africa (Cape Town) and Zimbabwe (Harare) to meet with the Communities of Faith & Light in both countries as well as members of the clergy – priests, ministers, pastors, religious orders – and also young people and parents from all churches and all cultures. Everyone is welcome and lots of planning and prayer has already been put into this wonderful occasion. With great excitement in Faith and Light, an invitation is extended to all of you to attend this opportunity of retreat and sharing, meeting new friends and hearing more about the special Love of the Lord for all of his children – all of us, irrespective of who we are, where we live, worship or work.

This is an ecumenical retreat, held at different venues and with a series of talks and sharings from Jean Vanier and the Family of Faith & Light.

Venues: 16th July 2003 - Schoenstatt Retreat Centre, Constantia

             17th July 2003 - St Martin’s Anglican Church, Bergvliet

             18th July 2003 - Bergvliet Methodist Church, Bergvliet

             19th July 2003 - Schoenstatt Retreat Centre, Constantia

Please watch the press and look out for advertising for times and any changes to venues.

Cost:  All talks are free of charge. However donations will be very welcome and a Love Offering will be taken during the retreat. All offerings will go towards the Faith & Light Communities and their special, ecumenical, ministry among the churches and society at large. Refreshments will be served throughout each day and books and memorabilia will be on sale.              

It is important to book your attendance on this wonderful retreat by the 30th June 2003 to avoid disappointment. Should you need assistance with transport, if you are visitors to Cape Town and require accommodation, or if you have general enquiries please contact Jacinta Swarts. A special appeal is also made to young people who would like to avail themselves of their youth groups and youth bands to partake in a gospel afternoon of praise and worship at the retreat. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your beautiful gifts with all, in a very special way.

In previous editions of the Archdiocesan News you read and reflected with the Communities of Faith & Light on the wonderful messages of “I chose you to bear fruit, fruit that will last” and “Launching out into the deep.” There were also messages of encouragement and blessing from the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. We continue to reflect on the fruits that we are called to nurture within ourselves and each other, and continue to be challenged by the unknown things that challenge us and that encourage us to look to the cross of Jesus and seek God’s help and strength at all times. We have gladly accepted the encouragement of the Pope’s blessing to the wonderful ministry of Faith & Light – to encourage those who have a mental disability to find their rightful place in the church and society, for their parents and their families to find the support and love they need, and for friends and young people to open their hearts to embracing the gift of friendship to those who are the weaker.