On 27 November, the Diocese of Parramatta’s Mission Enhancement Team held a formation day for the seminarians at the Holy Spirit Seminary to ‘seek the sacred’ in all aspects of life – from music, art, to people, through fasting and feasting and more.
Using the medieval mystics from the 12th – 14th centuries as inspiration, each seminarian took on the role of one of the mystics – from Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, Margery Kempe, St Francis of Assisi, Cloud of Unknowing and Richard Rolle.
The feedback was positive. “This is a very meaningful workshop where spiritual, academic and human aspects are integrated,” said one seminarian.
“I discovered anew that God is nearer than my own breath, yet I spend so much of my life reaching outside of myself,” said another.
The seminarians continued role-playing as their chosen mystic through the day and even during dinner, which was a medieval delight. Carmel Bendon’s book The Mystics who Came to Dinner was used as the basis for the factual conversation.
The recipes were by the cooks for King Richard II in 1390 and started with ‘mortreux of fische’ – a fish pate served with pickled vegetables, barley bread and spiced wine. The entrée was vegetable broth and main course was chicken stuffed with pears, quinces, parsley and various spices, which was a compromise from the traditional meal of a stuffed goose – as they cost $295!
Seminarians from the Holy Spirit Seminary during a formation day on medieval mystics. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Trying to embody a mystic during dinner had surprise benefits. “I love spiritual talk during meals. It inspires me to have more spiritual talk instead of gossip,” said one seminarian.
“Fantastic meal – good and uplifting conversations. Great friendship,” said another.
The meal finished with crystallised ginger, which was thought in the 14th century to ‘close the stomach’. All courses used many different ancient spices in them, such as hyssop, savory, cinnamon, ginger, poudre douce and galangal.
The seminarians thought the workshop was very engaging and gave them a better understanding of the challenges the mystics faced, but also their prayer life and how to focus on “being more aware and sensitive to the presence of God in all things.”
Seminarians from the Holy Spirit Seminary during a formation day on medieval mystics. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Merilyn Hancock is a Ministry Partner in the Mission Enhancement Team, coordinating and leading the Diocese’s new Seniors Spirituality Program, which provides gentle formation, opportunities for community and a range of experiences designed to deepen faith for older parishioners in the Diocese of Parramatta.
Merilyn is currently visiting parishes to discuss each parish’s needs and the program’s offerings. If you’d like to arrange a session in your parish or agency, particularly for men and women aged 50 and over, please chat to your parish office in the first instance, or contact the Mission Enhancement Team.
For more information, visit Supporting Older Persons or Find an Event Near You.
This initiative supports the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Formation and Prayer, and our objectives to be a Church renewed in Spirit and Prayer. Visit Synodality to learn more.
