Paul Maughan reports on a three-day Lenten retreat at the aptly-named ‘Marian Valley’ Monastery and Shrine. Maybe Marian Valley could be on your spiritual itinerary next year?
It’s Lent, and I’ve decided to give the old halo a bit of a polish up for the occasion.
“Long overdue,” says the wife. In fact, she reckons if my halo slips any further there’s a fair danger it will choke me. Wives can really stick the knife in can’t they!
My daughter is even more direct: “Its too late Dad … you’re beyond redemption”, says she with a wicked grin.
Well, sounds like a spiritual scrub down is called for, so I’ve decided to pack myself off to the Pauline Fathers’ monastery at Canungra for a few days retreat. Oh yeah, seeing she is giving so much cheek, I’m dragging the wife along too.
Just a little over an hour south of Brisbane, and even closer to the Gold Coast, the monastery sits in prime sub-tropical bushland nestled in the foothills of S-E Queensland’s blockbuster tourism destination … the world-acclaimed Lamington National Park. It would be hard to imagine a more appealing location from which to escape the rat-race and wallow in peaceful serenity.
Characterised by rugged mountain scenery, majestic widescreen panoramas, and sub-tropical forest, the Park proper is only a couple of kilometres from the monastery and readily accessible from Marian Valley.
About 8km from the village of Canungra, climbing up the steep hillside to the Park (and the internationally recognised tourism hub of Binna Burra), a somewhat dilapidated sign announces the Marian Valley Monastery.
As we stop to enter we’re somewhat overcome with trepidation. Oh dear, this all looks a bit desperate and run-down. However, after a 200metre descent into the property, we are gob-smacked as we tumble out of rough bushland into a pristine environment of manicured lawns, gardens, mature shady trees, and handsome modern buildings.
We are immediately greeted by a magnificent statue of Our Lady Help of Christians (the patroness of the site) atop a towering column. Simultaneously, a delightful floral-shrouded shrine, dedicated to our newest saint, Mary MacKillop, welcomes us.
To our distant left is the open-sided main church of the Black Madonna, while to our immediate right is the monastery itself: a fashionable, low-set ranch style dwelling in perfect harmony with its surroundings.
Wow! This is really impressive and quite unanticipated.
In front of us, a little way off, is our accommodation for the next few days, the Retreat Centre: a collection of simple but sturdy huts clustered in a bushland setting adjacent to a starkly modern adoration chapel.
After making ourselves known and shown our quarters we unpack, and then set off to explore the property.
Our first impression is that the place is immense; and it is – a whopping 200 acres.
For an hour or so we trawl through a myriad of attractive shrines and chapels discretely scattered around the manicured grounds. Most are dedicated to Our Lady, and nearly all are sponsored by various ethnic communities from within Queensland. Some are simple, some are spectacular; all are inspiring.
A well maintained gravel roadway borders the grounds, along which are set fourteen life-size sculptures that form the super impressive Way of the Cross. In what is a visually stunning, attention-arresting experience, it is difficult to walk this pathway and not be spiritually moved by these evocative stark white figures.
Combined with the seductive bird-call tumbling from the towering gums on the surrounding towering hills, the whole Shrine ‘package’ fills me with wonder. This place has power; it’s imbued with spiritual energy.
Only fifteen years old, funded by donations, and with all the work involved in maintaining and improving the property provided by volunteers, I realize that Marian Valley is more than a spiritual site … indeed, it’s part of the fabric of the local community here.
Generally daily life at Marian Valley is relaxed and peaceful; a place where you can experience solitude, prayer and spiritual renewal. The pace here is unrushed; it’s a spot to enjoy reading, reflecting and walking through the beautiful grounds of the monastery.
Interestingly, retreatants are left very much to themselves and you can be as involved or detached in daily proceedings as you please.
Organised liturgies begin around 8.45am with Rosary in the main church, followed by Mass.
The Adoration Chapel is then opened at 10am and the Blessed Sacrament is exposed till 3pm. Retreatants are quietly encouraged to spend time here. This is no ordeal though, as the peace and serenity of the chapel’s silence is numbing. I found myself drawn back here time and again.
Reconciliation is available (more or less) at demand, while the five Pauline Monks (two priests and three brothers) who live here are approachable should you need their services, counselling or spiritual direction. On the other hand “Br Angus”, the Pauline dog, is available for a bit of TLC anytime.
Wearing hooded, cream-coloured robes, the Monks are a semi-contemplative Order devoted to a life of prayer and service to Jesus through Mary. There is a sense of the traditional Church here that I very much like.
At times however Marian Valley can be a busy place as pilgrims, sometimes in their hundreds, descend on this spiritual powerhouse of devotion, and where people of all faiths are welcome. Literally thousands visit the Shrine in the course of a year, while occasionally even just the idle curious drop in for a bit of a sticky-beak.
While here it would be a sin not to slip up the hill to Binna Burra, a place that Lonely Planet commends as – ‘a magical spot with the most stunning views you’ll possibly ever see’. I agree, and would add that not only will it give you a renewed appreciation of nature; it will also enhance your Marian Valley spiritual experience.
For me, our few days at Marian Valley allowed me a time of real connection with God, well away from life’s usual distractions. I left spiritually refreshed and renewed. As we departed, I reckon that old halo of mine was sparkling like the morning dew. My wife however remains unconvinced … and I suspect that the monks thought I was a bit of a handful too. Oh well, there is always next time – and as far as I’m concerned there certainly will be.
Marian Valley is an atmospheric destination; there is a spiritual heartbeat here that is felt by all who visit. It’s also a place of extraordinary beauty and considerable charm. Come and try it yourself, I think you’ll be impressed (and don’t forget to pack your halo).
FACT FILE
Marian Valley is around 90km south of Brisbane and is under the care of the Monks of the Order of St Paul the First Hermit (the Pauline Fathers).
It is open to all Faiths and day visitors are welcome. Picnic facilities are available. Weekend Liturgies differ from the weekday timetable.
The Retreat Centre caters for individuals or groups up to a limit of 20 people. The cabins comprise two twin-bedded rooms each with an ensuite and private veranda. They are equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, toaster, electric jug, crockery and cutlery. It’s a BYO food and drink destination. The tariff is a modest $25 p.p.p.d. Linen and towels are available for an extra $5 p.p.
For more information try www.marianvalley.org or phone (07) 5533 3378 or (07) 5533 3617.