Weekend Retreat
Love & Beauty
in St John's
Spiritual Canticle
20th - 22nd February 2026
Celebrating the centenary of St John of the Cross
as Doctor of the Church
Led by Fr Matthew Blake, OCD
2026 marks the centenary of the declaration of St John of the Cross as a a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI in 1926. He was described by Pope Benedict XVI as “one of the most important lyric poets of Spanish literature”, whose works “describe a sure path to achieving holiness, the state of perfection to which God calls all of us”.
This retreat will therefore offer an opportunity to reflect in particular on St John’s Spiritual Canticle, one of the most celebrated of his poetic writings. The themes of beauty and of love, eloquent in their expression of the attractive power of the Bridegroom who calls each soul to respond to Him in love, will be the focus of this reflection.
Retreat structure
This retreat will offer several talks over the weekend, framed by opportunities for Mass, communal prayer in the morning and evening, and Adoration.
Free time for walks and reflection is built into each retreat.
Meet our retreat guide
Fr Matthew Blake is a Carmelite priest. Originally from Ireland, he has lived and worked in the UK for more than thirty years. His ministry has mainly involved retreat direction, for which he is well-known in the UK, and he has also worked in many different parishes.
About the venue
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.
Timings
- Arrivals from 3pm for a 6pm start on Friday
- Departures from 3pm on Sunday
Cost
Single room: £240 p.p.*
Twin room (sharing): £185 p.p.*
Non-residential (includes lunches and dinners): £120
*Costs include full board from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch inclusive.
“Fr Matt is a brilliant teacher”
“This was an amazing experience, great speaker, comfortable venue.”
Please register below (includes £50p.p. deposit payment):
Venue & Getting to us:
If you are reliant on public transport, please consider traveling by train to Preston train station. From there, we aim to co-ordinate minicab shares or lifts amongst participants of any given event. If you require further advice or assistance, email us: events@christianheritagecentre.com