Bagpipes, a didgeridoo and the spirit of unity at the fourth NATSICC Spirituality Retreat
Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green OSPPE, Bishop of Wilcannia-Forbes, Sally FitzGerald and Archbishop Prowse
Delegates travelled from far and wide to the calm setting of Galong, where they rekindled old friendships and formed new connections.
This serene setting provided the perfect backdrop for the Fourth Spirituality Formation Retreat, hosted by the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn in collaboration with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC).
Established in 1989, NATSICC serves as the peak advisory body to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference on issues affecting First Australians.
Bishop Macbeth-Green OSPPE, plays the Bagpipes at morning Mass (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council Facebook Page)
Sally FitzGerald, the Archdiocesan representative of NATSICC, noted the significance of this gathering: “Our communities have shown a great desire to participate more fully in the Australian Catholic Church, and we hope that our gathering encourages more of our people to take up leadership positions in their areas.”
The retreat offered a lively exploration of faith and culture, with the charismatic Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green OSPPE, Bishop of Wilcannia-Forbes, adding warmth and wisdom to the gathering.
One of the morning Masses opened with a captivating entrance hymn, featuring Bishop Macbeth-Green on the bagpipes and a participant on the didgeridoo. The blend of sounds beautifully showcased the retreat’s celebration of diversity and unity.
Building on the success of previous retreats held in Alice Springs and Stradbroke Island, this year’s gathering was entitled ‘Lord, Teach Us to Pray – Proclaim the Good News.’ Archbishop Prowse addressed the themes of prayer and stillness, emphasising the importance of cultivating a friendship with God.
He elaborated on synodality, which he explained involves walking together in faith and fostering encounters with the divine through the Holy Spirit.
Archbishop Prowse with participants attending the NATSICC Retreat in Galong
Drawing inspiration from the Desert Fathers and Mothers, the Archbishop illuminated the importance of silence, urging participants to view it as an internal sanctuary that invites renewal.
“Silence is not just the absence of noise,” he proclaimed, “but silence within—a home we should visit regularly.”
The Archbishop recalled a moment on his drive to Galong when he stopped to admire the vibrant canola fields. “When I stopped the car, the silence hit me,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of simplicity in spirituality, referencing Jesus’s call to welcome children and noting how they naturally teach us about faith through their openness.
He commended the increasing adoption of Christian meditation in Archdiocesan Catholic schools, where students have reported feelings of tranquillity, peace, and closeness to God as a result of their participation.