Presented by Rt. Rev. Br. Mark D’Alessio
We live with mysteries too marvelous to be understood…” (Mary Oliver)
What’s your favorite poem? For many, it’s a poem by Mary Oliver, far and away America’s best-selling poet who was honored with both the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize. Her poetry has been a source of inspiration for many on the spiritual path. Yet, who were Mary Oliver’s favorite poets and inspirations? What were some of her favorite poems?
Join us in person at Wisdom House for a quiet day where we will contemplatively spend time exploring the thoughtful ways of Oliver’s poetry alongside poems from some of her influential idols — Sufi mystic Rumi, American transcendentalist Walt Whitman, romantic Shelley, humanist Denise Levertov, and feminist Edna St. Vincent Millay.
“How to Love this World” is an invitation to poets and poetry as spiritual practice. Join Br. Mark to explore the mystery, grace and sacred wholeness we share in common with Oliver and her inspirations as she invites us into a space that one of her poems calls “the doorway/into thanks, and a silence in which/another voice may speak.” Come and be inspired by how Oliver experienced a sense of the world’s wonders as gifts to be savored!
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.
$60 | Lunch Included
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.