This retreat will offer several talks over the three days to guide the retreatant in prayer, with opportunities for one-to-one spiritual direction with the Sisters and Fr Bernard.

The retreat will be framed by daily Mass, Morning and Evening Prayer, and Adoration.

Free time for walks and personal prayer is built into each retreat.

Sr. Cecilia Jesse, CFR, joined the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal in 2001. She grew up in Vermont (USA) and studied music performance (cello) at university, earning a Bachelor of Music degree. As a Franciscan Sister she has lived in New York City, Leeds, and Rome and has served in various roles, from director of the Sisters’ food pantry in New York to assistant Postulant directress. She is currently the Local Servant (Local Superior) at St. Clare Convent in Leeds. She still enjoys playing her cello, both in ministry and in her free time.

Sr. Thérèse Wong, CFR, has been a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal since 2013 and professed her final vows in 2023. Originally from the state of Ohio, she studied theology and catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville and then served as a missionary on university campuses for two years with FOCUS (The Fellowship of Catholic University Students). This is her second time living in the UK. When she’s not serving the poor or evangelizing with her sisters, she enjoys art, long walks in nature, and writing.

Fr Bernard Marie Murphy, CFR is a former General Servant (Superior) of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, a relatively new Franciscan community established in 1987 under the patronage of the late John Cardinal O’Connor, Archbishop of New York. Prior to his position of General Servant, Fr. Bernard served as Vocation Director, Postulant Director, and Novice Master. Initially entering religious life in 1980 as a brother in another community, Fr. Bernard transferred to the Friars in 1993 and was ordained a priest in 1998.

Fr. Bernard presently resides at St. Fidelis Friary in Canning Town East London.

Theodore House offers a wonderful venue for any residential course. The tranquil and beautiful surroundings of the Stonyhurst estate offer a peaceful setting with endless opportunities for walks. Guests will enjoy the comfortable recreational spaces and a beautifully lanscaped garden.

For more information about Theodore House, please click here.

• Arrivals from 3pm for a 6pm start on Friday
• Departures from 3pm on Monday