C.S. Lewis novel to be explored

By PAT PASTERNAK- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

Remember the mysterious Land of Narnia at the back of the Wardrobe? Can you recall the feelings you felt when you traveled there with Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy?

After all these years, that great sense of adventure and mystery can still be easily recalled by readers with only the mention of the name of the Great Lion, Aslan!

On Jan. 6, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at The Priory in Chestertown, Sister Connie Messitt, CSJ, will present a workshop titled "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" to travel once again to that mysterious place created by author C.S. Lewis in his imaginative novel.

Symbolism

In the morning, Sister Connie will show a video of the book, which she says is filled with "symbolism of our own lives." It tells the story of the search for Aslan, who has been interpreted as a Christ figure, in a style packed with Christian allegory and morals.

In the afternoon, group discussion will center around Lewis, who, Sister Connie said, was "always searching -- as we are, as the children in the book were -- for the answers to questions about God and life in general.

"We can use stories like 'The Chronicles of Narnia' as part of our prayer life, embracing the imagery and applying it to what we are searching for: answers to questions about the suffering, doubts and fear in our own lives. By doing so, we can allow the rich stories to help us in our search for new life, rebirth and resurrection."

Pursued by God

As a reference for her presentation, Sister Connie will use the work of Bishop Robert Morneau, "A Retreat with C. S. Lewis: Yielding to a Pursuing God."

According to Bishop Morneau, Lewis believed that God pursued him until He won him over to faith and Christianity. Sister Connie believes that God pursues each person to be a witness to His love and that Lewis's "Chronicles of Narnia" is symbolic of this pursuit.

"Anyone who loves stories or who is searching for God in their lives would be interested in attending this workshop," she said. "It is also for those who question suffering and/or the Paschal Mystery."

(The donation for the workshop is $25. Lunch will be provided. To register, contact The Priory at 494-3733.)

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