Presented by Rt. Rev. Br. Mark D’Alessio
This Advent, join Br. Mark to learn and grow from spiritual encounters with revered Women of the Gospels. Our on-line retreat day at the start of Advent will encourage you to meditate and pray alongside some of the holy women we meet in the four Gospels: Mary of Nazareth, her cousin Elizabeth, Peter’s Mother-in-Law (the first female disciple), Mary Magdalene (the apostle to the Apostles), the Syrophoenician Woman (the first person to correct Jesus), and our beloved home Holy Mother Earth. In journeying alongside these holy women full of grace you can discover how Advent is not only a time of waiting for God, but it’s also a time of God waiting for us — a season to say “Yes” to finding your place in the story. Join us to be encouraged to draw deep into a season that shimmers with mystery and possibility.
COST | $50, Online via ZOOM
PLEASE NOTE: You are NOT registered for a ZOOM program until you receive a confirmation email. Call 860.567.3163 with questions.
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.
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.