New Icon of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

New Icon of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
by Sue

Wishing you the Blessing of the Christ Child.

May you be filled with joy, love and peace at this precious time.

Beautiful Sydney Harbour with Opera House

Romeo and Juliette, Sydney Library

There is nothing quite as beautiful as Sydney Harbour on a clear blue day.
It is easy to travel around Sydney by train.
The State Library of New South Wales is in the heart of the city, this beautiful statue dedicated to Shakespeare is in the front forecourt.

Rafferty's Resort, Lake Macquarie

Rafferty's Resort, Lake Macquarie

We have spent a beautiful week at Rafferty's Resort, Lake Macquarie.

It is a great place from which to explore the Hunter Valley Vineyards and surrounding area.

This Pelican is a magnificent bird. He and a dozen others enjoy a pampered life here.

They are fed daily, which is quite a spectacle.

Sunset is gently beautiful over the Lake.

Iconography Class at St Clement’s Monastery, Galong NSW, Sept 2014

Welcome to

an Experience of Spirituality and Painting

at St Clement’s Monastery, Galong NSW

Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 September 2014

An icon painting workshop commencing with the evening meal on Thursday and concluding with lunch on Sunday. (Friday start by arrangement).

Lead by Master Teacher – Professor Patrick Staikov Bernard, renowned iconographer who learned his craft in the leading icon-producing monastery in Russia.

The aim of the Icon is to render visible the essence of the immaterial.

“The Icon is based upon the incarnation in which God chose to

assume a human face” John Paul II

For more information and bookings contact –

St Clement's Retreat & Conference Centre info@stclement.com.au

You have turned my sorrows to Joy

 

You have turned my sorrows into joy,

My mourning into dancing.

 

You said 'My yolk is easy and my burden light'.

Anything carried in love is no longer a burden.

St Joseph and Jesus Icon

St Joseph and Jesus by Sue Orchison

This precious religious icon is a reflection on the relationship Jesus has with his earthly father and his Heavenly Father. Jesus and St. Joseph are returning from the Temple in Jerusalem, still dressed in their white robes. Jesus leaps out of the arms of Joseph and looks up both to heaven and to the Temple, the Heavenly Father's House.
The original icon was written by Brother Claude Lane, O.S.B., of Mount Angel Abbey in Oregon.

This icon points to the Resurrection of Christ - his white robes are reminiscent of the shroud - which is being unravelled.

The shoe recalls the passage when the Lord tells Moses to take off his shoes for he standing on Holy Ground.

The mountains in this image bow down to the Lord.

The image of Joseph is strong, confident and protective.

Spend a moment reflecting on this Icon of St Joseph and discover other gems held within.

Thank you Brother Claude for writing this image.  

Sydney Harbour and the Q Station

SuperCat Class Ferry - St Mary MacKillop

 Mother's Day was wonderful. Phone calls from each of the children and breakfast at the Bella Vista Café, North Head National Park Sydney. Bliss.
It was a truly magnificent spot. The views were breath taking.
Manly is a nightmare for parking - but once you find the Parking Garage the rest is easy and very entertaining. The beach is beautiful. And even in May the water is a very pleasant temperature. There were many Surfers riding the waves.

Q Station

 We spent the evening at the Q Station. A fascinating spot for a touch of history, mystery and very good food at the restaurant.

It is in the heart of Sydney, but sufficiently secluded to think you are out in the bush. It is surrounded by a beautiful national park.

Do put it on your 'to do list'.

Sydney Harbour - Magnificient

North Heads - Sydney Harbour



Panorama - Sydney Harbour Views