By Malena Lanzetta
This academic year, “Hope” is the theme that inspires our community, in preparation to the Jubilee of Hope of 2025. October was a special month for us at The Lay Centre as we gathered in community, deepened our existing friendships and started new noes, sharing in fellowship.
We started the academic year with an evening on the meaning of living in community according to Benedictine tradition. Fr. Mauritius Wilde, O.S.B., presided over Mass and guided us over a reflection on the topic. That was the official beginning of academic year 2024-2025 at The Lay Centre.
On October 9, we were pleased to welcome a delegation from the Netherlands: Fr. Tjeerd Jansen, S.J., Agnes Schaafsma and Jan Reinen, representing the Ladies of Bethany, a Dutch religious congregation known for their dedication to hospitality and ecumenism. The Lay Centre inherited the values of faith, hospitality and dialogue from them, which today it lives through the promotion of the laity and a culture of encounter.
Together with Donna Orsuto and Riekie Van Velzen, co-founders of The Lay Centre, they reflected on the history of The Lay Centre and the bonds with the Ladies of Bethany, exploreing new ways to continue collaborating together, particular in support of women and ecumenism.
Separately, on October 30, the residential community came together once more for an informal evening of conviviality. Mass was presided over by Fr. Peter Gautsch, O.P.. The evening continued with games and laughter, bringing us closer as a community and strengthening the bonds we share.
As we look back on this month’s meaningful gatherings, we are filled with gratitude. We look forward to welcoming even more opportunities to gather, reflect, and grow together in the months ahead.
