We are called to a reflective way of living in which our prayer moves us to action and our action to prayer.

The life of the Presentation Sister is essentially a prayerful reflective living in today's world. Her life of service calls for time apart - alone and with others - to stop, look at, listen to what God is doing, saying, asking in our world today.
The thrust of her prayer is apostolic flowing into and from life, so that prayer and mission are experienced as an integrated whole.

The faith of each one is strengthened and enriched by being shared with one another and with the people among whom we live and work.
All forms of prayer are embraced. Sometimes contemplative, sometimes shared, as the Prayer of the Church, Taize, or Group prayer of other kinds, the Eucharist being always the centre of community life. Silence, solitude and asceticism are valued as essential elements of our life. In an attitude of openness we reflect prayerfully, in the light of scripture, on our experience of life. Together we discover in the events of our lives and the beauty of creation the mysterious presence of God.

The pilgrims paused on the ancient stones
in the mountain gap.
Behind them stretched the roadway they had travelled,
already a far journey - (was it a lifetime?) -
ahead, mist hid the track.
Unspoken the questions hovered:
Why go on? Is life not short enough?
Why seek to piece its mystery?
Why venture further on strange paths, risking all?
Surely that is a gamble for fools - or lovers.
Why not return quietly by the know road?
Why be a pilgrim still?

A voice they knew called to them, saying:
This is Trasna, the crossing-place.
Choose! Go back if you must,
you will find your way easily by yesterday's road,
you can pitch your tents by yesterday's fires,
there may be life in the embers yet.
If that is not your deep desire,
stand still. Lay down your load.
Take your life firmly in your two hands -
(gently... you are trusted with something precious) -
while you search your heart's yearnings:
What am I seeking? What is my quest?
When your star rises deep within,
trust yourself to its leading.
You will have light for your first steps.

This is Trasna, the crossing-place Choose!
This is Trasna, the crossing-place Come!

Raphael Consedine PBVM 1996

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