A Wonderful Lectio Divina Experience in Vilnius
Spiritual care for the elderly is a pastoral priority in our aging European societies. How can we give meaning to this difficult stage of life? That is why, together with the leaders of a social center run by the Sisters of the Poor, we offered a Bible study series on the theme of old age. The course generated a great deal of interest: more than 80 older adults enthusiastically participated in the eight sessions offered!
the joy of these people as they discovered that the Holy Scriptures spoke to them about their long lives, their experiences, their joys, their questions, and the fears associated with this stage of aging.
Women made up the majority of the group; some came from families that had faithfully held onto their faith during the years of the oppressive Soviet regime, while others had come to know God as adults. Most lacked Christian training, but all were eager to learn about the Bible.
I was touched by the moderators—simple, elderly women—who spoke about their group with great respect and genuine pastoral concern.
The gatherings, which took place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., began with a welcome period featuring coffee or tea and cookies. This is part of Lithuanian culture, especially in winter! Most people arrived early to enjoy this time of fellowship, which is important for people who often suffer from loneliness. Then, after a few words of welcome, we began with a song to the Holy Spirit.
Then came the first part of the Lectio: a roughly half-hour introduction to the theme and the selected texts, to provide some guidance for reading them. Then everyone split into groups of about 10 people, each led by a facilitator. In the groups, we spent about ten minutes meditating, with each person given a sheet containing the texts and questions. Then, we shared according to the principle of “dialogue in the Spirit”: a first round of sharing where everyone spoke about what the texts had inspired in them, followed by a time of discussion in which we reflected on what we had heard from others. After that, we had a debriefing session with the facilitators.
For the final gathering, we offered the participants a Mass that included the Anointing of the Sick: it was a moment of great devotion, led by a small choir that had formed during the program. And finally, a friendly buffet full of joy… and delicious food!
What stood out to me and touched me was the joy of these people as they discovered that the Holy Scriptures spoke to them about their long lives, their experiences, their joys, their questions, and the fears associated with this stage of aging. They expressed deep gratitude for this discovery. In the small groups, people sometimes shared very personal and meaningful things, and there was a beautiful atmosphere of fellowship and solidarity. I was also touched by the facilitators—simple, elderly women—who spoke about their group with great respect and genuine pastoral care.
Sr. Bénédicte Rollin (Vilnius Community, Lithuania)
Course Outline
1st Session
Abraham’s Departure (Gen 12:1–7; Heb 11:8–13). God said to Abraham: “Lech lecha,” which literally means “go to yourself.” We reflected on our experiences of setting out and making new beginnings in our lives. What kind of new beginning is possible in old age?
2nd Session
(excerpts from Gen 17–18; Rom 4:18–22) God’s promises and the unexpected blessing of children received by Abraham and Sarah.
3rd Session
Zechariah and Elizabeth (Luke 1:5–23; 39–45) Our prayers and our doubts. Signs of hope in others.
4th session
Praise (Psalms 102–103): The Lord’s faithful and merciful love in my life.
5th session
“Do not forsake me in my old age” (Ps. 70–71) The Spiritual Struggle in Old Age
6th session
Wisdom and blessings for the younger generations. Simeon and Anna. Paul’s advice (Luke 2:25–38; Titus 2:1–5 + a recommendation to read the Book of Ruth at home, paying attention to Naomi’s role)
7th session
“For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Reflection on death and preparation for the “departure” (Ps 15:8–11; John 14:1–4; Romans 8:21…39; 2 Timothy 2:11–13; 2 Timothy 4:6–8; 1 John 3:1–2).
8th session
Mass and the Sacrament of the Sick.
