"II you make my Word your home you will indeed be my disciples You will learn the Truth and the truth will set you
free.'' Jn. 7:32
THE Apostles, having heard these words of Jesus, went forth to proclaim this message to all the world.
Here at St Joseph's House of Prayer we feel called to give this same message to the people of today. We — the Montfort Missionaries and the Dominican Sisters — opened this House, a place of stillness and peace, so that people may come and experience the Lord Jesus, and where they can "make His Word their Home."
Jim Elliot our director gives many of the retreats and days of recollection to religious and laypeople alike. He also has a special charism with young adults. A group of them from the deanery of Southampton have recently spent much of their free time on Saturdays renovating a large shed in the ground where they — the Burning Bush Community — meet every Wednesday eyeing for prayer and praise.
Here is an account given by a young person who came to St Joseph's for a few days stay . . . . and has since joined the community.
"It was the first time I had come on my own to spend a few days away in a house of prayer. I was extremely apprehensive as 1 drove down the winding drive to the front door. What would it be like? Would I feel 'at home"? I need not have worried. No sooner had I rung the doorbell than the door was opened by a smiling sister who showed me round the house and then finally took me to my room. This was very simple but comfortable. My eye caught a vase of flowers on a desk and a sign by them which read 'welcome'."
"What I had wanted was a place where I could feel 'at home', where I didn't have to worry or speak unnecessarily, where I could have time and space to pray alone and with a community, where someone would have time to listen and share with me if need be. I knew had come to the right place."
"It was explained to me that 1 was very welcome to join the community for their prayers. This 1 did, one of the sisters helping rue to find my way around the office book. I was struck by the solemn way in which the prayer was carried out. it helped me to 'raise my mind and heart to God."
Sr Dominic OP
St Joseph's House of Prayer is at Lyndhurst Road, Ashurst, Southampton SO4 20U (042 129 2337)