Last month, Elena McFarlane (I13) had a chance to spend two weeks with the Manquehue Community in Chile.
Elena shared that it was an extremely fulfilling experience where she had the opportunity to spend time with the community, participating and sharing in the Liturgy of the Hours and Lectio Divina. She also had the chance to visit the three schools founded by Manquehue while developing new friendships with some of the oblates.
In her own words: ‘I am so grateful for the generosity and love shown by Manquehue and, in particular, the San Geronimo community (community of female celibate oblates) during my time in Chile. The friendships I developed with members of the community over 10 years ago while at Downside and what they have taught me about the transformative power of encountering the living Christ through the Word have been and still are fundamental to my life’s journey.’
Pictured above is Elena alongside two of the oblates – Chelo and Cecilia at the Sanctuary of St Teresa de los Andes. Elena is now actively collaborating with the Manquehue community and St Gregory’s Society Council on an initiative to create new opportunities for OGs to rediscover the gift of Lectio Divina. Please contact the Development Office at development@downside.co.uk to learn more.