Name:
Máire Gormley

Role in the Community:
Member

Member Since:
Founding Member, 2006

Short Testimony:
As a leader on the Derry Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage toLourdesfor four years I have such lovely memories and experiences of the power of group prayer and community. From the formation of the Iosa Community in 2006, those experiences have been enriched and enhanced by a great group of people. We are genuinely good friends and having our faith in common is so important in terms of debates, discussion and the camaraderie we share. My own faith life has definitely found a place where it can be gently nurtured, challenged and deepened. I find prayer comfortable and natural among the community and this is a change from the times in the past where I felt I wasn't praying correctly because I didn't have the right language or words. Now I know it doesn't matter if I struggle to articulate my prayers, the others are praying along with me in their own words so my prayer is carried on theirs and heard. The support of the Iosa Community in my prayer life and in my secular life is a tremendous blessing and gift.

Favourite Iosa Memory:
Last night of the Steelstown Mission in November 2010 - meeting everyone at the back of the church and being overwhelmed by the response.

Favourite Quote:
Piccolo Cor Mio