Step away from the demands of daily life and into a sanctuary of peace. Our five-day retreats invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace the stillness that allows your soul to awaken.
Nestled in the tranquil Litchfield Hills, Wisdom House offers the perfect setting to disconnect from the noise and rediscover the wisdom within. Each day, you’ll meet one-on-one with your spiritual companion who will walk beside you as you reflect, heal, and grow.
Let nature and silence restore you—immerse yourself in the gentle rhythm of a labyrinth walk, find inspiration in our art gallery, or simply rest by the pool under the summer sun. Take long walks along quiet country roads, read sacred texts that nourish your spirit, or pour your reflections onto the pages of a journal.
Come home to yourself. Let this time away be a gift—one of renewal, clarity, and deep spiritual connection.
We’re honored to offer scholarship opportunities to programs and retreats, creating opportunities for everyone. Please call (860) 567-3163 to find out more.
The health and safety of our guests and staff are of paramount importance to us. We follow the COVID-19 guidelines provided by the State of Connecticut and the CDC. If Wisdom House is forced to close to comply with the guidelines issued by the State of Connecticut or the CDC, we will return all funds received to date.
Cost with Meals Included (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) :
Private ensuite $620 | Private room with hall bath $540
The Rt. Rev. Br. Mark D’Alessio is a Franciscan friar in the new religious society of the Companions of Francis and Clare. He’s also a interspiritual Christian bishop and priest, spiritual director, chaplain, retreat leader, author, and past President and Executive Director of the Psychotherapy & Spirituality Institute which draws together the inspiration of the church with the wisdom of psychological care.
As a Franciscan, he’s committed to serving those who are sidelined, most vulnerable and at risk. Last year, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless awarded him with their “Unsung Hero” Award for his ministry as a crisis counselor and program coordinator at a shelter for men and women who are homeless and as a chaplain at a residential treatment center and school for children with learning and emotional disabilities.
A long-time seeker and practitioner of spiritual wisdom, he’s initiated into multiple spiritual lineages, both East (Buddhist) and West (Christian); does his best to affirm the Christian Wisdom tradition within a wider inter-spiritual framework; and, looks to God’s science and spiritual heroes (such as Thích Nhat Hanh and Francis and Clare of Assisi) as sources of inspiration and hope.
Br. Mark is a graduate of the Guild for Spiritual Guidance, founded by Henri Nouwen and Madeline L’Engle, where he is currently a faculty member and community leader. He's also a faculty member at All Faiths Seminary International for the training of interfaith ministers.
Lisa Hudkins is a graduate of the SLC Internship Program, the Advanced Training Program for Spiritual Directors, is a trained supervisor and is a past president of the SLC Board. Lisa is also a teaching team member of the Internship Program at the Spiritual Life Center in Hartford. She is also trained in Bio-Spiritual Focusing, a tool that enhances the time she shares with her companions.
Lisa has a background in education, mentoring and training beginning teachers, skills that continue to serve her well as an instructor of new Spiritual Directors.
The ability to listen deeply and to be present with those she companions fills her with great compassion and empathy. Lisa has found the practice of daily contemplation is an important part of her life. Whether reading inspirational books, poems, chants or working in her journal, she realizes the importance of spending time in silence to hear the Spirit within her.
She enjoys working in her gardens and taking long walks with her nine year-old boxer, Gracie. It is during these times that she finds herself giving thanks for the beauty of creation that she encounters all around her.
Lisa has enjoyed providing retreat days of reflection and running various book clubs at Lourdes in Litchfield. Lisa and her husband Paul have been married for 49 years and have two adult children who live in Wyoming and Michigan. These are their favorite places to visit!
Sr. Ann Casagrande, DW is a member of the Daughters of Wisdom. She is a certified Spiritual Director, having trained at Mercy Center. What attracted Ann to the program was the many years of help and support she received from her Spiritual Directors.
Her background includes serving on the Leadership Team of the Daughters of Wisdom for a total of 24 years and serving in Geriatric healthcare for over 30 years – both in an outpatient basis and in a Skilled Nursing Facility. Ann has a Master’s degree in Counseling and another in Public Health.
This background has proven to be helpful in working with people who deal with the stresses of life and are working to find God and/or meaning in their lives.
Presently, she is volunteering at Wisdom House and enjoys the people, the work and keeping IT skills fresh.
She enjoys nature, life and the people and animals in her life.