6/10/2005

The Franciscan Friary at Pantasaph, Flintshire, will open its doors next Sunday (16 October) to enable people to learn about spirituality and the Catholic life.
Brother Loarne, one of the organisers. said, “This is an opportunity for people to dip into spirituality without having to make any commitment. In light of events like the death of Pope John Paul II and the popularity of novels like The Da Vinci Code there has been a renewal of interest in things spiritual recently. We’re looking forward to welcoming people wanting to experience an afternoon with a difference. Everyone’s welcome. Previous attendees have told us that they’ve found these afternoons life changing!�
One of a series of events, the Exploring Christian Faith afternoon, is being offered as part of a new facility, launched earlier this year, called a “Seeker Centre�. Through it, the Friars and their local team hope to provide visitors with a welcoming and informal space where they can ask questions about Christianity.
This national project is being run in partnership with the Catholic Agency to Support Evangelisation (CASE) whose director, Mgr Keith Barltrop said, “This event and others happening at the Friary came about in response to people, who are not Catholics, telling us what they were looking for – there is such a genuine thirst to experience authentic spirituality – and that’s what these events aim to provide. Visitors are free to come and take a look without having to make any commitment. Pantasaph itself is a beautiful place which seems to feed people’s hearts and souls in a very special way.�
A “spiritual tour�, meditation time, time for questions and story telling are just some of things being offered in a relaxed setting. Team members will also be available to talk to people on a one to one level. Shirley came to an afternoon earlier this year and said, “These loving and welcoming men and women gave me intelligent and sensible answers in a spirit of honesty and humility…..Don’t be afraid to go along.�
Meanwhile, Richard, who also came along, said, “I saw the poster in the gift shop and was curious. The experience helped me to clear up misunderstandings of the Church.� Fellow visitor Emma said, “I saw the poster, thought ‘I should do that’, then didn’t have the courage! But somehow I ended up there anyway and my life has been changed for the better.�
The event takes place at 1:30pm on Sunday 16 October at the Friary - home to the National Shrine of St. Pio.
For more information please see: www.life4seekers.co.uk