Older people strengthen their spiritual well-being in a Cycle of Conversations organized by the PUCV
In collaboration with the PUCV Institute of Religious Studies and the PUCV Prioriza Project, the Church of the Heart of Mary hosted the first meeting of a cycle of spiritual conversations, aimed at connecting older people with their spiritual dimension through daily contemplation and ecumenical dialogue.
On October 23, the first Spiritual Conversation aimed at older people was held at the Church of the Heart of Mary, in Valparaíso. This cycle, organized by the PUCV Institute of Religious Studies, the PUCV Prioriza Project and the PUCV Senior Action Program, has the support of the Church of the Heart of Mary and its chaplain, Patricio Marambio, who provided the space at its headquarters to carry out these instances of spiritual dialogue.
José Antonio Leiva Puelleshead of teaching at the Institute of Religious Studies and theologian in charge of this first conversation, highlighted the importance of approaching spirituality from an inclusive and close perspective, through a reflective practice on “contemplation in everyday life.” He explained that “contemplation is a spiritual practice that is not only framed in our Judeo-Christian tradition, but is also nourished by other spiritual traditions, such as Eastern ones, offering older people an opportunity to reconnect with their environment and find existential answers in their day to day.”
During the conversation, Leiva guided attendees through breathing exercises and perception of nature, helping them connect both with themselves and with others. “These practices allow us to connect with our interior and, at the same time, open us to the possibility of better understanding those around us,” he explained. In addition, participants were invited to share their experiences, generating a space for mutual enrichment.
Benoit Mathot, director of the Institute of Religious Studies, stressed the relevance of linking academic knowledge with the lives of older people, “this is an opportunity to articulate our disciplines with the concrete experience of people. “Leave a theoretical reading and propose a work that is useful, practical and meaningful for your experiences.” This approach coincides with the objectives of the PUCV Priorizes Older People Project, which works to strengthen the comprehensive well-being of older people, promoting their development and spiritual growth.
“At the PUCV Prioriza Project, we are committed to providing people with greater opportunities that strengthen their comprehensive well-being, and these spiritual conversations are a concrete expression of that commitment. We want to offer a space where they can explore and nurture multiple dimensions, connecting it with their experiences and reinforcing their sense of community. For the Inclusion Directorate, this instance represents our effort to accompany them in their personal development and in the search for a better quality of life,” commented Carolina Andaur Marín, Coordinator of the PUCV Prioriza Project.
The cycle of conversations includes three meetings, where topics such as grief and other topics related to the reality of older people will be addressed. The next sessions will take place on November 20 and December 18 at 4:00 p.m.again in the Church of the Heart of Marylocated at Calle Pocuro 834, Valparaíso.
Contact:
For more information about the cycle of spiritual conversations, you can contact the PUCV Project Priorizes Objective 2 “Senior Manager of Social Projects” at email pucvprioriza@pucv.cl
