St. Francis Retreat Center

We are rarely allowed, much less encouraged, to fully experience our grief. It tends to make those around us uncomfortable. And we, too, are sometimes frightened that we may be overwhelmed; that we might find ourselves, in the words of poet Mary Oliver, unable to find “foot-hold, finger-hold, mind-hold.” But as we eventually learn, our grief needs to be seen & heard; it needs attention; it needs intention. So, you are invited to join us on the sacred grounds of Mepkin Abbey where, together, we’ll create a safe space to explore and express the losses of our lives in the pursuit of “breaking open,” rather than apart.

The weekend offers structure along with flexibility for you to decide what you need at any given moment. Group discussions are framed in part around Frances Weller’s 5 Gates of Grief, incorporate poetry readings, and offer a gentle invitation to share. Activities include journaling, a guided meditation, a planting ritual, and an informal memorial service at the Columbarium - as well as free time for resting, walking the grounds, prayer, whatever you may need.

You are encouraged to bring a picture of the person(s) for whom you are grieving or an object that symbolizes your loss(es.)

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