SJ's Sacred Space

It has been the custom of this page to draw readeers' attention to Internet sites that can uplift the spirit. We have highlighted several such sites. Today we highlight one whose originators are the Irish Jesuits, but which is now also connected to the Maltese Jesuits.

Those who visit www.sacredspace.ie will find themselves in an oasis of prayer, peace and tranquillity. This space has six stages, which will help you to pray while sitting in front of your computer.

The first stage places you in the presence of God. During this stage one explores the presence of the Lord and becomes aware of His life-giving presence. Then you are asked to explore your freedom and your consciousness.

Little by little the steps guide you to a Scripture reading, which is changed daily. The conclusion is a prayer of praise. At every stage you can ask for help and more information will be given. The information supplied by the site-keepers says that the whole exercise takes between five and ten minutes. But once one gets used to it one can easily extend this period to between 15 and 20 minutes.

The Maltese Jesuits recently joined the initiative and now there is a Maltese version of Sacred Space. One can access it either by going into the main site and then click on the word "Maltese" or by clicking on www.maltajesuitretreats.com/spazjusagru.

We strongly recommend this site to our readers in the hope that they will make a habit of visiting it.