Spirituality of relationships

International author and psychiatrist Fr Jack Dominian has provided the preface to a book written by Canberra priest and counsellor Fr John Ryan. "A Spirituality of Relationships. The Power of Both/ And" which was launched at a dinner at Ainslie Village on Wednesday, 26 September.

The launch by executive director of the Australia Institute Dr Clive Hamilton benefitted the Home in Queanbeyan project, with over $4,000.00 being donated. 120 people from literally all walks of life gathered at the Ainslie Village to enjoy a wonderful meal, great wine and the guest speakers: Clive, Fr John Ryan and Fr Peter Day. The evening was MC'd by veteran political journalist Paul Bongiorno.


The book may be obtained from the Catholic Bookshop Braddon, telephone 6201 9888, or e-mail bookshop@cg.catholic.org.au Please click _HERE_ to order online.

Whereas Bishop Geoffrey Robinsons book Confronting Power and Sex in the Catholic Church seeks to polarise and is almost heretical in places; Fr Ryans' book attempts to allow a dialogue that can accomodate the past and present into a secure future.

Some have expressed concern about lack of posts, I've been busy!!! The skyes are blue, and sand is golden.

Spring has sprung in Canberra, and the flowers and trees are blooming and blossoming. Some serious rain in late winter has produced wonderful displays of colour.

Last weekend it was time to head off to floriade. Of particualar interest was the beanie marquee, featuring over 90 beanies made from wool, cloth, barbed wire, twistie packet foil and other fibres and yarns.

Life is busy with organising a book launch that is raising money for the home in queanbeyan project. The former Governor General of Australia comments that: "the provision of long-term, supported accommodation for the chronically mentally ill who are presently unable to live with the basic dignity to which every human being is entitled is not simply a 'good idea'. It is an absolute must…."

Currently I am also proof-reading the third book manuscript authors have entrusted me with this year. I must have reached a certain age where what I know and what I don't know does not matter anymore. It is a privilege to be involved with finetuning a book before it is published. :D

Also keeping me occupied is a new blog promoting a book being released next year. See if you can find me posting as "cgo" ;)

Meanwhile, matters outside Australia give me pause. The last few days I have spent time fasting, praying and meditating for the situation in Burma. Today the Catholic News in Australia featured an article: Burma bishops call for prayer.

It seems like only yesterday I was boarding a plane for Cairns for the last school holidays; next week is another week off work, relaxing and having fun...