We’re so sorry, but this retreat has been canceled due to presenter illness. We hope to offer this retreat next summer instead. Thank you for your understanding.
It seems that the dawning of each new day brings with it another discovery of the immensity and complexity of our cosmos. With each finding, the awesomeness of our creator becomes ever clearer. In the words of the title song by Rich Mullins, “Our God is an Awesome God!” During this day of meditation, we will have the opportunity to engage with our creator and the cosmos through visio divina and audio divina. Similar to lectio divina, which focuses on scripture, visio divina focuses on sacred seeing. It is an ancient form of prayer involving meditating through sight. It invites one to engage with an image in a way that will move our minds and hearts to the presence of God. In addition, there will be recordings of sounds from space so we may enter into audio divina. These forms of prayer will encourage us to sharpen our senses of seeing and hearing as a way to connect with the divine, deepening our awareness of God and God’s love. The day will include communal prayer, meditation, visio divina, and audio divina, as well as free time to journal, walk with nature, or simply rest in the presence of our God. Lunch is included. Guided by Donna Bilek.
The main part of this retreat will take place on Thursday from 9:30am-4pm, with lunch included. The overnight option also includes lodging, dinner on Thursday, and breakfast on Friday. There will be optional stargazing on Thursday night and morning meditation and prayer on Friday. The retreat ends before lunch on Friday. Check-out is at 11am.
There is also a day-only option for this retreat on July 23 from 9:30am-4pm. To register for Creator and the Cosmos – DAY OPTION, click here.
Donna Bilek, a 2018 graduate of the Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute, is a spiritual director and companion with over fifteen years’ experience. As an Associate with the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND), she serves on the Ongoing Personal Development in Community Committee for the SSNDs, presenting reflections and prayer on various topics, including grief and loss. Donna teaches and guides prayer at “earthwalk Center for Wholeness,” which she founded in 2005. For thirteen years, Donna taught Spirituality, Biblical Studies, and Death and Dying at Notre Dame of Maryland University. She has a master’s degree in Theology from St. Mary’s Seminary & University.