General Projects
2006 General Projects
“Life is Beautiful” HIV/Aids Retreat
The theme of the movie, “Life is Beautiful” is about the ability of the human spirit to triumph over adversity. How appropriate that this theme should be chosen for a weekend retreat for people living with HIV/AIDS.
People living with HIV/AIDS often experience prejudice in the community and lose their self-respect and dignity. They feel lonely, afraid and alienated as a result of their illness and through their fear of rejection. A retreat organised by the Melbourne Catholic HIV/AIDS Ministry aims to give people an opportunity to be in a loving and peaceful environment and experience a welcoming church.
Funded by the Mary MacKillop Foundation, the retreat was held at Holy Cross Monastery, Templestowe, Victoria. For a number of people it was their first opportunity for a ‘holiday’ from the day to day survival mode in which they lived. Each one who came spoke of the warmth and peace of their surroundings and of the way they had been accepted. For two homeless people it was a place of warmth and acceptance.
Everyone expressed thanks for the opportunity of the weekend and many formed new friendships. They left feeling less isolated and in hopeful spirits, daring to believe that life is indeed beautiful.
Margaret Hayes, Coordinator
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