“Wisdom calls aloud in the streets. She raises her voice in the public squares: She calls out at the street corners. She delivers her message at the city gates.” Proverbs 1:20-21
There is a voice that rises above the noise of these uncertain and complex times. Hagia Sophia, Holy Wisdom, is crying out in the very heart of it all.
In Christian theology, Sophia—the Greek word for wisdom — is often personified as a feminine divine figure representing God’s wisdom and creative power. She is sometimes associated with the Holy Spirit, and in some traditions, to Mary, mother of Jesus. Sophia embodies the active, loving presence of God in both creation and redemption, offering insights into divine mysteries and inspiring righteous action. Her voice, ancient and true, still echoes through the streets and alleyways of our lives, inviting us — almost desperately it seems—to turn, to tune in, and to listen.
This silent retreat weekend is an invitation to answer that call. Together, we will step away from the noise of the world and gently enter into spacious silence — making room to encounter Sophia as she moves among us. In the soft unfolding of the weekend, we will welcome Sophia as guide and companion — listening for her messages of love and hope in the whisper of stillness, in the stirrings of the heart, in the breath between words. We will gather for a time of welcome and introduction of the theme on Friday evening and then enter into silence for the weekend. Short reflections will be offered on Saturday morning and evening, with an optional time for tea and music on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday morning, we will gather to share out of the silence and gently gather the graces of the weekend. Come and rest. Come and listen. Come and be guided by the voice that sings at the city gates and the edges of your soul. Guided by Lorie Conway.
Check-in begins at 4pm. There will be a brief welcome session at 5:30pm, followed by dinner at 6pm. The retreat begins after dinner at 7pm on Friday and concludes before lunch on Sunday. Mass will be available Sunday morning for those who wish to attend.
Lorie Conway, MA, Spiritual Companion has a passion for deep listening and accompanying others on their spiritual journeys through spiritual companionship, contemplative small groups, and spiritual retreats. Lorie received her certificate in spiritual direction from the Kairos School of Spiritual Formation and holds a master’s degree in Religion from Lancaster Theological Seminary and a master’s degree in Behavioral Management & Human Resources from Johns Hopkins University. Lorie is on the programming staff at Well for the Journey and is the director of the Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Spiritual Groups & Retreats program at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. Lorie’s spirituality is rooted in the Christ tradition and is welcoming of the many paths and unique journeys enfolded within Divine Mystery.