Listening for New Life with St. Brigid
In the quiet heart of winter, life is already stirring beneath the surface. Though the landscape appears dormant, the earth is preparing for spring, holding new life in unseen and sacred ways. This silent retreat invites us to enter that same sacred rhythm — to rest, to listen, and to notice what is quietly awakening within our own souls. The Irish celebration of Imbolc, celebrated on February 1st each year, marks the midpoint between winter solstice and spring equinox. The word Imbolc means “in the belly” and is a festival that honors the Celtic goddess, Brigid, along with the arrival of spring and newborn lambs. February 1st is also the feast day of St. Brigid, the beloved female patron saint of Ireland. Over the centuries, the stories, myths, and legends of the ancient Celtic Brigid and St. Brigid have become beautifully intertwined, offering enduring images of wisdom, hospitality, healing, creativity, and hope for us today. Mid-February at Bon Secours is far more likely to feel like winter than spring! Yet if we look closely, we notice the days are getting longer, the sun seems brighter, and a few enthusiastic green stems are poking up in warm places. During this silent retreat weekend, we will listen with Brigid to the new life gestating within us and yearning to come forth with Spring energy from the depths of our souls. We will gather Friday evening for a time of welcome and introduction of Brigid before entering into silence for the remainder of the weekend. Brief reflections will be offered on Saturday morning and evening, with an optional time of tea and gentle music on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday morning, we will break silence together, sharing from our experience and gathering the graces of the weekend before returning home. Come rest in the spacious embrace of winter and listen for the wisdom stirring within you. Guided by Lorie Conway. Meals and lodging included.
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 after lunch at 1pm 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.