WEBSITE: www.goodshepherdsedibaretreat.co.za

Tel: (012) 259 1392 / Mobile Emergency: 082 752 7237 │ Bookings: goodshepherdsedibaretreat@gmail.com │ GPS Co-ordinates: -25.761455 ​27.902227

PO Box 15, Hartbeespoort, 0216, S.A. Portion 60 of Farm 482, Meerhof Hartbeespoort, N.W. Province, S.A., Off Findlay Avenue…Next to Good Shepherd Catholic ​Church

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Friend of Good Shepherd

In South Africa, the month of August is dedicated to women. During this time, we remember, reflect upon and celebrate all the women who ​have played and still play an important role in our lives. For many of us, we don’t have to look very far or exhaust ourselves trying to identify ​these precious souls.

Life’s lessons confirm that what often separates a person from the blueprint that God had when He created each one of us is then ​foundational disposition that one assumes and cultivates within the psyche that distinguishes one from another person.

That foundational disposition can really be summed up into two distinct categories. The first is the self-seeking or self-absorbed or selfish ​attitude. The other is the generous or other-centred or selfless attitude…blue printed by God throughout the ages. From an early age one can ​easily notice which of the two has taken root within.

Selfishness invariably has strewn around it scars, painful memories, a lack of imagination or inspiration, disorder, and sometimes even chaos. ​There is a certain unspoken darkness, hurt and shame that often remains concealed from the public, but which is etched in the memories of ​the inner circle of the selfish person. A selfish person can cause distrust and despondency within the heart of the ones closest to him/her. If ​s/he does not reflect upon her/his life, this disposition of ‘me first’ or ‘only me’, left to grow, can become the foundational quality of that ​person.

On the other hand, the altruistic person who displays a generous heart is often surrounded by touchstone experiences, beautiful enriching ​memories, creativity, peace and often an ordered and disciplined life. Those around this person are often energized and stimulated to go ​beyond their own limits, doubts and fears. There is a hope and a joy that seems to bubble out of this heart, which enhances the environment ​within which s/he lives. S/he is often the catalyst to extraordinary triumphs in life. This person is frequently, described by this spirit of self-​giving.

Many women find themselves in this second foundational disposition. WOMAN is almost synonymous with selflessness. So many are the ​embodiment of other-centredness in their families or communities. There is an unspoken expectation that a young girl would do herself a ​great good to develop her character and personality in this way. It is quite extraordinary to notice this quality manifesting itself within the ​family unit, almost like leaven or yeast in dough. It is there because we benefit from its obvious life-giving presence adding vitality and ​meaning to the key relationships within the family unit. This selfless attitude is often the glue that keeps the family going, hoping

and trusting. It is the personification of true Godly love. What a profound privilege to be on the receiving end of this priceless virtue.

August is also the month the Catholic Church dedicates to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the one to whom as children of God, we owe so ​much. Without a doubt, the Blessed Virgin Mary is the full epithet of selfless giving, of altruism, of love beyond limits. She encompasses ​everything that a woman should be to her spouse, her child and her community…and her God. The Immaculate Heart of our Queen Mother is ​one that most closely resembles the Heart of Jesus. She is still the go to person for many who desire to find God, to serve God and to love ​God. Her timeless ‘love for all God’s children’ is the drawcard for anyone desiring a deeper relationship with Jesus. She never tires from ​loving beyond our ordinary human limits. And she attracts all women who share Her spirit of selfless love into Her Heart.

I believe that there are so many women who find their own healing, meaning and purpose in this Immaculate Heart. We thank God that His ​wisdom and love always has a way of rectifying and realigning us with our true destiny…blueprint. God not only watches. He too celebrates ​all women who share the Heart of this Immaculate Queen.

For those of you who have not visited Good Shepherd Retreat Centre and would like to experience a retreat or who would just like to visit the ​centre for personal prayer, please email us and we will be happy to help. We will continue to keep all our patrons, suppliers, and associates in ​our prayers as we look forward to the life-giving spirit of Spring.

LJC et MI