In the Footsteps of the Great Saintly Priests - The Christian Heritage Centre

Clergy retreat

In the Footsteps
of the Great Saintly Priests

Monday 14th - Friday 18th October [2024]

Reflections on St John Fisher, St John Vianney and St Padre Pio

Preached by Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP

“The priest is not a priest for himself; he does not give himself absolution; he does not administer the Sacraments to himself. He is not for himself, he is for you… where there is no longer any priest there is no sacrifice, and where there is no longer any sacrifice there is no religion.” (Saint John Vianney)

The saints offer models and examplars of holiness for every walk of life: a particularly worthy focus during this Year of Prayer.

This retreat will pick out some of the great priest saints of Europe – St John Fisher, St John Vianney and St Pio of Pietrelcina – to offer a reflection on the character and ministry of the priestly life.

St John Fisher stands as a reformation-era St John the Baptist, most recognised for his objection to King Henry VIII’s divorce of Catherine of Aragon and for his subsequent refusal to acknowledge Anne Boleyn’s daughter as heir to the throne. A cameo ring depicting Aristotle, which belonged to John Fisher, is held at Stonyhurst, having been presented to the College by relatives of Fisher in the 19th century.

The ring will be loaned for the retreat by the College to the CHC, in order to accompany the clergy during this time of prayer.

St John Vianney also experienced the turmoil and upheaval of religious life brought about in his own country, by the French Revolution. Known for his tirelessness in reconciling people to God, he is rightly upheld as a model of a curator of souls.

St Pio of Pietrelcina is widely known for the gifts he received of the stigmata and of spiritual insight, and his profound piety and charity.

Further information about the retreat

Secular and religious clergy, deacons and seminarians welcome!
The retreat will be preached, with two talks every day (one on Monday afternoon and one on Friday morning)
There will be opportunities for confession
Clergy are welcome to celebrate Mass individually and in whichever rite, or to concelebrate
Theodore House Oratory and St Peter’s Church available for the celebration of Mass
Daily Holy Hour and Compline

About the speaker

Fr Armand de Malleray began his ministry in the Southwark Archdiocese in 2001. He has been giving clergy retreats at various venues in England and abroad for over two decades. Formerly rector of St Mary’s Shrine in the Liverpool Archdiocese, he is now based in Bedford. He is the author of the following books:

On the Sacred Priesthood: X-Ray of the Priest in a Field Hospital;
On the Holy Eucharist: Ego Eimi – It is I: Falling in Eucharistic Love;
On Holy Mass: Near Missed Masses;
On the Blessed Virgin Mary: Meditations on the Stabat Mater

About the venue

Theodore House offers a wonderful venue for any retreat. The tranquil and beautiful surroundings of the Stonyhurst estate offer a peaceful setting and endless opportunities for walks.

All accommodation is en-suite, with comfortable facilities and a beautifully lanscaped garden.

For more information about Theodore House, please click here.

Timings

Arrivals are welcome on the Monday from 1pm for a 3pm start.

Departures on Friday are from 3pm.

Cost:

£375 (includes single, en-suite room and full board)

Clergy retreat