Retreats
Here is a selection of Retreat themes , some of which have arisen from Susan’s own experiences and others which she has been asked to lead. Each retreat needs a minimum of 6 people to gather, usually in person, but some retreats can work ‘online’. If you would like to explore this further please get in touch.
Feedback from a recent retreat
“This was my first ever silent retreat … The focus on Mary in the wonderful setting of the Community of St Mary the Virgin was a life changing experience… The quietness of the convent, the beautiful gardens, including the labyrinth, and the many sculptures by Mother Maribel enhanced our time in so many unexpected ways. Rev Susan’s contemplations led me into a deeper and gentler appreciation of the impact of Mary through how she has been honoured in art across the world in many differing styles and settings. The work all pointing to the beauty of Jesus and His humanity through the mother/son relationship. I felt blessed, refreshed and encouraged way beyond my expectations. Thank you Rev Susan and the Sisters within the community.”
’Thank you for providing such a valuable and moving retreat experience.’ JJ
The imaginal cell
finding courage to navigate life’s changes
This retreat weaves together inspiration and challenge from the lifecycle of moths (and butterflies); the Christian mystics, and the Bible to help us find courage not only in our personal lives, but in our common life. How does the moth/butterfly get from that tiny egg to such a winged thing of beauty? And how might we do the same? Come and find out …
“Really appreciated Susan’s passion and expertise” “Fascinating to find out the facts of butterflies and relate those to (faith) practise.” – previous participants
St Bernard of Clairvaux
and his names for Mary
Be inspired by St Bernard’s names for Mary: the open one; the blessed one; the courageous one; and the star of the sea. We will draw a little on the Cistercian heritage as we seek to find ways for such stances to inspire the way we live and pray today.
“Enjoyed the gentle leading and creativity of the sessions” – previous participant
Catherine of Siena
Remain in the holy, gentle love of God
In today’s often harsh world, taking time out to explore some of Catherine’s writings can help to navigate the challenges as we explore how she remained in the holy gentle love of God despite the breakdown of church and intense feuds between various Italian states.
“Thought-provoking.” – previous participant
Contemplatives in the City
So often we think we have to go away to a quiet place in a remote bit of countryside/coast in order to pray, yet many of our Christian contemplative teachers (John of the Cross, Julian of Norwich) lived right in the heart of cities, so how can we pray in the midst of the noise/business/busyness?
Food for the fire
Fire is a metaphor used by so many of the Christian mystics, that draws on the Song of Songs: Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame… This retreat draws from a variety of sources including Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, St Cuthbert and takes us step by step through the process of buidling a fire and what that might look like for our prayer life!
Learning to see
Using the camera to explore and deepen your practice of contemplative prayer
This retreat is very practical, providing guidance and inspiration to retreatants on how they might use their cameras (including phone cameras) as an aide, through different techniques, to deepen their practise of prayer. The retreat will draw in equal measure from eminent photographers as well as the contemplatives.
Mary and the flowers that tell her story
A fascinating journey exploring something of what we know of Mary’s story from the Annuncation through to the Ascension whilst drawing on other legends, art and the flowers that were named after her eg Mary’s pincushion (scabious), to help us follow in her footsteps finding beauty in the pain, and joy in the tears.
