In a small group format, the Visio Divina program is 5 or 6 weeks long. Each of those weeks consists of a 1 hour or a 1 1/2 hour session in which the women pray and discuss together.
What is the format of each meeting?
Each meeting is a combination of prayer time, fellowship, and discussion. During the time of prayer, the facilitator leads the women step by step through Visio Divina. A facilitator can follow the facilitator guide script found here.
What is Visio Divina?
Visio Divina is a complement to Lectio Divina, which is an encounter with God and listening to His voice through open receptivity to His Word. You can find the steps of Visio Divina at the tab below:
Behold helps women come to a deeper understanding of their value through contemplating the feminine heart of Mary. Unpacking what St. John Paul II termed "the feminine genius," women will understand their God-given gifts as being a woman created in God's image and likeness. It is our hope that immersion and prayer on these themes and Mary's own "feminine genius" will aid women in seeing the immense gift that they are. For a deeper explanation of the "feminine genius," click on the following tab:
We currently have groups starting in parishes across the United States! Our current groups can be found at the tab below. If you do not find a group through this link below, you can contact us at behold.visio@gmail.com.
How do I start a Behold group in my parish/diocese?
We are happy that you want to share in our mission! Firstly, your group needs a trained facilitator. During training, you will be given the methods and skills needed to lead Visio Divina step by step, along with how to facilitate discussion. We are currently accepting applications for facilitators. If you are interested, click on the tab below:
I want to lead a Behold group, but am nervous about leading one. What is expected of a Behold facilitator?
Do not worry! All you need to facilitate is an open heart! We train our facilitators through 3 short 5 minute videos. In this training, you will be given the basic skills needed to ensure you feel confident in your facilitating!
In regards to the program itself, you do not need to worry about what to say. All you need to do is pray aloud! Our facilitator booklet, which we send to our facilitators, has each thing that you need to say word for word, so you do not need to worry about what to say in your group!
How much of a time commitment is it to be a facilitator?
As a facilitator, you do not need to prepare much outside of meetings. Beyond the 1 or 1 1/2 hour meetings with your group, the facilitator only can additionally put in about 30 minutes to prepare for meetings weekly.