2008 Bi-ennial Conference Report

 

The conference was held in August with guest speakers  Richard Egan and Julia Mendelssohn. The theme was:"Ministering to a Spiritually Pluralistic Society" and was both stimulating and challenging and gave us rich insights and plenty to think about for a long time to come.  We began by examing spirituality in the context of the New Zealand health models and government strategies and then we looked at the evolution of spirituality and its intersection with, and distinction from religion.

 

During the Powhiri on the opening night, Rev. Tamati Pewhairangi was appointed as the Kaumatua for the New Zealand Healthcare Chaplains Association.

 

One of the highlights of our time together in Wellington was Brother Kieran's daily meditations.  His use of power-point presentations left us with powerful visual impressions and excellent insights into scripture.  As Conference chaplain, he endeared himself to us all.  His final, prayerful summing up of the conference pulled it all together for us, and we were left feeling very satisfied and uplifted.

 

After three days of challenging input from Richard and Julia, we were treated on the last day to a beautifully quiet session on Meditation.  Michael Watson led us into a way of sitting still and meditating using a mantra, a candle, quiet music and visuals. He gave us a method we could use for daily meditation. This was his gift to us.

 

The Mayoral Reception at the Wellington Town Hall was most enjoyable.  The Mayor, Kerry Prendergast gave us a warm welcome to the City and we had an opportunity to examine the historic paintings in the Mayoral Chambers.

 

 

Sr Bernadette Cheyne OP

President NZHCA