道別、感恩、承傳 Farewell, Gratitude, Carrying Forward

各位親愛的主內弟兄姊妹：

我們敬愛的已故周懿坤修女，看到灣區華人教友在靈命成長方面的需要，也明瞭這是天主給她的使命，在慈愛中心（Mercy Center）的鼎力支持下，大約二十年前成立了慈愛中心華人靈修培育組。多年來竭力透過避靜、工作坊、靈修課程，為追求和渴望與上主建立更深切關係的基督徒，提供了一個學習的台階。在天主的恩寵下，周修女可以善用Mercy Center這個環境優美、景色怡人的好地方，作為舉辦各種活動的場所。

自從周修女離世後，五位靈修導師（Peter Chan，Victoria Chan，Teresa Cheung，Gwojen Fung 和 Gabrielle Lou）為了秉承周修女的遺願，過去的幾年，也繼續為培養華人教友的靈命成長而努力！

Mercy Center即將要關閉的消息，確實讓很多曾經在這裡渡過美好時光的朋友感到不捨。但天下無不散之筵席，在大家感到依依不捨之際，我們誠摯邀請大家於9月27日，參加特別為你們舉辦的與Mercy Center道別與感恩的活動。

回望過去的日子，我們在這個都市內的神聖地方，留下了很多美好的回憶。那裡的一花一草、一樹一木、羊腸小徑、玫瑰花園、明陣、聖像，都曾經是我們祈禱、冥想、反思的陪伴者！曾幾何時，我們正徘徊於人生的十字路口、正躊躇在信仰的困惑、或者是面對著生活的掙扎，不知多少次，它們的存在為我們找到了方向、開闢了蹊徑！藉著今次的機會，我們再次重回舊地，懷緬一番，感恩Mercy Center這個陪伴自己靈性生活成長的地方！

也回想自己在周修女和各位導師的帶領下，靈性生活有什麼改善？還有什麼需要進步的空間？更可以到教堂的耶穌聖體前，祈求聖神的帶領，怎樣可以將以前學到的在生活中實踐？我們一同道別，心存感恩；更邀請每位參與者，回顧這些年所領受的恩典與學習，思索如何將它們承載前行，活出於未來的生命旅程。

藉著相聚，可以和久別重逢的新知舊雨暢談近況、回望過去、展望未來！緬懷之際，我們也一同感恩上主的恩寵，使我們在這寧靜優美的地方，親身體驗天主的臨在。

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Nearly twenty years ago, the late Sister Janet Chau, RSM, discerning both the spiritual needs of Chinese Catholics in the Bay Area and the call of God’s mission for her, founded the Chinese Spiritual Formation Ministry at Mercy Center with the Center’s wholehearted support. Through retreats, workshops, and formation programs, this ministry has provided a pathway for Christians seeking to grow in their relationship with the Lord. By God’s grace, Sister Janet was able to make use of the serene and beautiful setting of Mercy Center as the place for these gatherings.

Since Sister Janet’s passing, five spiritual directors—Peter Chan, Victoria Chan, Teresa Cheung, Gwojen Fung, and Gabrielle Lou—have carried on her vision, striving in recent years to continue nurturing the spiritual growth of Chinese Catholics.

The news that Mercy Center will soon close is, understandably, difficult for many who have spent treasured moments there. Yet as Scripture reminds us, there is a time for everything. In this spirit, we warmly invite you to join us on September 27 for a special day of farewell and thanksgiving at Mercy Center.

Looking back, we recall the many sacred memories held within this holy place in the midst of our city. Its trees and flowers, winding paths and rose garden, labyrinth and icons—all have accompanied us in prayer, meditation, and reflection. At times when we stood at life’s crossroads, wrestled with faith, or struggled with life’s challenges, the quiet presence of this place helped us to rediscover direction and hope. This gathering gives us the chance to return once more, to remember with gratitude how Mercy Center has supported our spiritual journey.

It is also a time to reflect personally: In what ways have my spiritual life and relationship with God grown under the guidance of Sister Janet and the directors? Where am I still called to deepen? Before the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel, we can pray for the Spirit’s guidance: How might I live out what I have learned and carry it into the days ahead? Together we say farewell and give thanks; we also invite each participant to look back on the graces and lessons received over the years, and to consider how to carry them forward, living them out in the journey to come.

In coming together, we will reconnect with old and new friends, share our stories, look back with gratitude, and look ahead with hope. Even as we remember with affection, we give thanks for God’s grace, who has allowed us to encounter His presence so personally in this place of beauty and peace.