Retreats
Praying with the Saints
Running in April, June & October 2023
Weekend retreats themed around the lives & spirituality
of three great spiritual masters of the West
This series of retreats offers participants an opportunity to immerse themselves in the lives of some of the great saints of the Western Church, as a way of developing and nurturing their own lives of faith.
The retreats are preached by well-established speakers and authorities on the respective saints, so that participants will be accompanied closely by these much-loved saintly figures.
Each retreat is entirely standalone.
21st – 23rd April 2023: with Fr Matthew Blake, OCD
The Silent Language of Love
This retreat wil explore the life and teaching of one of the giants of the interior life: St John of the Cross. The hardships and difficulties he endured in pursuing his vocation was only met with a strength that was founded on his deep love for Christ, and which continues to inspire people to follow his example. Key aspects of his his faith include:
- A down to earth approach to holiness
- The importance of education and learning
- Faith guided by experience
Discover more about St John of the Cross in this talk by Fr Matthew Blake.
2nd – 4th June 2023: with Fr Dominic Robinson, S.J.
This retreat will explore the spirituality of the founder of the Society of Jesus, St Ignatius of Loyola. Through the Jesuits, St Ignatius sought to encourage a renewal of the Christian faith through a contemplative spirituality, encapsulated best in his Spiritual Exercises.
Particular aspects of St Ignatius’ faith include:
- Life as a spiritual pilgrimage
- Discernment of the will of God
- Reflective prayer leading to an active faith
Discover more about St Ignatius of Loyola in this talk by Fr Dominic Robinson, S.J.
29th September – 1st October 2023: with Canon John Udris
This retreat explores the life and spirituality of Thérèse of Lisieux. She lived only 24 years, but this short life was dominated by a rich faith. Her vocation to love in her very ordinary struggles and simple life has allowed her legacy to resonate with so many Christians. St Thérèse’s spirituality was dominated by some core themes:
- Trusting in God
- Honesty & truth
- Thanking God for small graces
- Surrendering to the will of God
Discover more about St Thérèse in this talk by Canon John Udris.
Retreat structure
Each 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 guides
Retreat Master: St John of the Cross & St Teresa of Avila
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.
Retreat Master: St Ignatius of Loyola
Fr Dominic Robinson, SJ is currently Parish Priest of Farm Street in central London. Farm Street Church, and the adjoining London Jesuit Centre, is a vibrant city centre ministry of the Jesuits, aiming to extend welcome and hospitality to many different groups. Fr Dominic is also UK director of Landings, the programme for returning Catholics, teaches Theology at St Mary’s University, is Chair of Justice & Peace in the Diocese of Westminster and Ecclesiastical Assistant to the charity Aid to the Church in Need.
Retreat Master: St Therese of Lisieux
Canon John Urdis is Spiritual Director at St Mary’s College, Oscott, Birmingham. He has a Licence in Spirituality from the Dominican University in Rome. He is the author of two books on St Therese: ‘Holy Daring’ and ‘The Gift of St Therese of Lisieux.’
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 (per retreat)
Single room: £180 p.p.*
Twin room (sharing): £135 p.p.*
*Costs include full board from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch inclusive.
Please register below (includes £50 p.p. deposit payment):
Venue: