WELCOME! Through this series of presentations we Norbertine men and women invite you to join us in seeking Wisdom side-by-side so that we may live in mutual acceptance, understanding and peace with everyone.  The presentations are free and open to everyone.  A free-will offering is welcome.

From Jigsaw Puzzle to Journey: The Next Step in Religion
Fr. Francis Dorff, O. Praem.

If we’re not careful, it’s very easy from time to time to start thinking of our own religion as a finished jigsaw puzzle that lets us feel that we “have it all together” much better than other religions do.  For many persons in this product-oriented, “bottom line” culture, this is one of those times.  We will spend this morning describing and exploring the next step in religion to be to make a creative shift from a jigsaw puzzle to a journey approach to religion.  This shift will let us celebrate the life-long spiritual pilgrimage that all religious persons have in common.

This portion of the Library Series is also part of our offerings in Meditative Writing. Click here to see the complete series of Meditative Writing retreats.

Fr. Francis Dorff, O. Praem., is a priest of the Norbertine Community of Santa Maria de la Vid Priory and a former professor of philosophy and theology. Fr. Fran's present work is primarily focused on experiencing and sharing a life-integrating approach to spiritual development. He is a specialist in the depth psychgology of Ira Progoff, the author of eith books on living spiritually, and lives in retirement at the Norbertine Hermitage Retreat.

 

Global Spirituality: The Unity of the Mystic Heart
Beverly Lanzetta, Ph. D.

We are blessed today to have the resources and the desire to study and learn about the world’s religious heritage.  Many of us seek a deeper mystical path that affirms the spiritual unity of humanity’s quest for the Holy.  This lecture will explore the distinctive spirituality of mystical universalism and provide exercises for establishing an inner hermitage, a center of silence in oneself open to all.

Beverly Lanzetta, PhD holds the doctorate in global theology and spirituality from Fordham University. A leader in contemporary religious life for over thirty years, Dr. Lanzetta offers seminars in spirituality and healing, interreligious dialogue, and the world’s mystical traditions. The founder of the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction, Interfaith Theological Seminary, and Schola Divina, she is also the author of seven books and numerous articles on the advent of new paradigms in religion, spiritual direction, and the mystical life.  She lives in Santa Fe, NM.

 

Bearing Fruit that Lasts: Pastoral Leadership That's Enduring
Rev. Dr. Paul Hopkins

Building upon biblical images of fruitfulness, especially John 15, Rev. Dr. Hopkins will weave together data from religious and secular literature on effective leadership with stories of successful pastors, offering ideas and models for enduring pastoral impact that foster and sustain good fruit in the lives of people and congregations.

Paul Hopkins, D.Min., is a counselor and consultant specializing in adult and couple psychotherapy and organizational leadership.  He served as CEO of the Samaritan Counseling Center of Albuquerque for 18 years, and currently provides psychotherapy through the Pastoral Counseling Center of Santa Fe.  Paul is an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) who has served his denomination nationally as director of family ministries.

 

Kindling the Sparks, Tending the Flames Within
Rabbi Shefa Gold

 

 

 

 

As the days grow short and the night darkness long, we are invited into the mysteries of dying and rebirth.  Many spiritual traditions honor this passage.  Judaism, too, has its process of diving deep into the depths of our souls and, while there, kindling the sparks of mystery and tending to the sacred flames within.  The spiritual potential of Chanukah is filled with nothing less than the miraculous!

Chanukah celebrates the re-dedication of the ancient Holy Temple, the physical nexus point unifying holiness in spirit and in matter.  Each year we recall the “great miracle that happened there.”  Together we will celebrate the “Great Miracle” that is happening right here within us and between us as we use the art of Sacred Chant to call light into our own place of darkness, kindling the sparks and tending the flames of the holy depths within.

Rabbi Shefa Gold is a leader in Aleph: the Alliance for Jewish Renewal and received her ordination both from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and from Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi.  She is the director of C-DEEP, The Center for Devotional, Energy and Ecstatic Practice in Jemez Springs, NM.  Shefa composes and performs spiritual music; she is the author of Torah Journeys: The Inner Path to the Promised Land, and In the Fever of Love: An Illumination of the Song of Songs.

 

Mother of God: Similar to Fire
Rev. William Hart McNichols

 

In times of mingled hope and despair, of longing for the sacred combined with disillusionment, the image of Mary continues to hold tremendous appeal.  Not only the mother of Jesus, but the quintessential Mother, the feminine face of the divine, fierce protector and gentle consoler, she serves as a source of inspiration, wisdom, vital essence of compassion and forgiveness.  Priest-iconographer William Hart McNichols helps make the perennial wisdom and love of Mary vibrantly accessible.  In diverse images of Mary such as the Black Madonna, Latina, Bosnian, Greek, Italian, and Native depictions of Mother Mary, we are reminded of what matters most, of what endures when all else seems lost, of what grace may yet be available when we meet fear with love.

Rev. William Hart McNichols lives in Taos, New Mexico.  Described by Time as being “among the most famous creators of Christian iconic images in the world,” his work has been featured in several books, including You Will Be My Witnesses; Christ, All Merciful; and Mary, Mother of All Nations.

 

Vatican II: History and Significance
Dr. John Dadosky

This talk will present an overview of the Vatican Council II and highlight its enduring achievements for the future of the Church especially as it addresses the need for interfaith dialogue.  Participants will be encouraged to reflect on who/what the Church is to be for the 21st century through small group discussion and facilitation.

JOHN D. DADOSKY is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Regis College/University of Toronto.  He has published Encountering the Sacred(SUNY Press, 2004). His articles have appeared in various academic journals including Theological Studies, the Heythrop Journal, American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly, and New Blackfriars.  He is Visiting Professor of Catholic Studies at the University of New Mexico for the 2010-11 academic year. 

 

Tasting the Word of the Lord
Dr. Megan McKenna

  In the gospel of the First Sunday of Lent we are quoted the words from the Book of Deuteronomy "One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God."  And a contemporary writer Barry Lopez said: "Sometimes people need stories more than they need food in order to survive."...Come taste the Word of the Lord in this season of Lent--the springtime of the soul

Dr. Megan McKenna is a renowned author on biblical and spiritual themes who travels the world as a lecturer, retreat leader and storyteller. She works with Indigenous groups, in base Christian Communities and with justice and peace groups as well as parishes, dioceses and religious communities. She has been on the United States National Board of Pax Christi and in 2002 was appointed an Ambassador of Peace for Pax Christi. 

 

Writing for Healing and Integration
Sr. Paula Gallagher, IHM

In this workshop, supported by each other’s prayerful inner work, we will take the courage to look deeply at what has happened to hurt us in life.  Asking the questions, “What does God want me to do with the experience?  What needs to change in me for this to happen?  Given what has happened, what can I make of it?”  we use writing as a tool for acceptance and imagination.  Here are some valuable ideas for helping us to heal from the inside out

Paula Gallagher has served as a music educator and pastoral spiritual minister, retreat/spiritual director, and family minister.  She is currently a presenter for the Shekina Spirituality Center, and Presbyterian and Odyssey Hospices in Santa Fe.  She is the author of three books, Treasure: Learn to Treasure the Way You Experience Life; A Light in the Window: Perspectives on Death and Grieving, and Everyday Encouragement.

 

A Blend of Sacred and Secular: A Concert by de Profundis
A capella men's ensemble, David Poole, Director

In what has become an annual tradition, our Library Series concludes with a wonderful celebratory performance by this renowned ensemble.  The name “de Profundis” is Latin for “out of the deep.”  It plays on the distinctiveness of the male voice, while at the same time bespeaking the conviction that music has the capacity to reveal the profound and the sacred, that which is concealed within our own depths.