Philip's recently published book, entitled "Ordinary Heaven", is an extraordinary work that lovingly renders a lifetime of spiritual experience and reflection, honouring life and the sacred ministry of spiritual direction.  We have a few copies available through the Dayspring Shop.​

Walking Carefully & Lovingly in Creation

Steve Runciman was delighted to accept the invitation of the Guiding Committee to present the 2024 Stitt Oration.  Steve holds Brian and Patricia in the highest esteem for their contribution to the contemplative community in Perth.  He will be addressing our theme for 2024 "Walking Carefully & Lovingly in Creation."

               Turning points in contemplative life:
               Uncovering the healing power of awe
 
Dr Jennifer Turner OAM, was a founding member of the Dayspring Community and was minister of the Dianella Church of Christ at the time of its inception.  Jennifer was delighted to be invited to deliver this Oration honouring the contribution of Patricia and Brian Stitt in raising a vision for Dayspring.

 Contemplative Practice in Times of Upheaval

Rev'd Stuart Fenner, an Anglican Priest and long-time friend of Dayspring, accepted the Guiding Committee's invitation to deliver the second Stitt Oration.  He explored the issue of contemplative practices in times of upheaval, as we have all been struggling through the COVID epidemic.

Stuart spoke without notes so we are unable to provide the text for this Oration.  We can only report that it was well received.

          Turning Points in Contemplative Life 

In establishing the Stitt Oration, it was considered fitting, in light of the special friendship between Dayspring and the Monastic Community at New Norcia, to invite the Abbot, the Rt Rev'd John Herbert OSB, to deliver the inaugural Stitt Oration.  The event was also a celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Dayspring.

In Dayspring's 20th Anniversary year the Guiding Committee decided that they wanted to honour the vision and passion of Brian and Patrician Stitt who, with the help of others, established the Dayspring Centre for Christian Spirituality & Counselling in 2001.

It was agreed that an appropriate way to do this would be to inaugurate an annual event at which a person of some eminence in the contemplative community would be invited to deliver an oration focusing on the contemplative life.  We believe this will honour these two special people but also be a gift to the contemplative community in Western Australia that exists in the many WCCM groups, religious congregations and monastic communities and other gatherings of people interested in growing in the practice of contemplative exercises.