Presented by The Rt. Rev. Br. Mark D’Alessio
A silent retreat is an invitation to slow down and be present. This winter, take a break from the weather and confusion in the world. Spend some time in silence to help you listen to your longings, needs and inner wisdom — words within yourself that you normally can’t hear over the constant noise and distractions of a busy life. Take time to unplug, rest and discover. You will have a private, comfortable bedroom and delicious meals. Your days will be open for rest and reflection.
Options include attending a mid-day guided meditation, praying in the chapel, walking the labyrinth, creating art, journaling, walking, napping and reading. You can also meet one-on-one each day with the Rt. Rev. Br. Mark D’Alessio, a Franciscan and trained spiritual director, who will guide you through the process and support you in your deep listening and unfolding story.
Please choose one path or the other when you register. You can either join us one-on-one for an hour of spiritual companioning — there are six spots available to meet with Br. Mark privately each day; or, come for a self-directed silent retreat with an invitation each day to gather for Guided Meditation following lunch.
Whichever path you choose, come and be warmed this winter with spiritual direction and meaningful solitude as we gather fireside in Wisdom House’s historic farmhouse. Nestled among the scenic Litchfield Hills, Wisdom House offers this five day retreat as an opportunity to disconnect from the busyness of life and reconnect with Divine Wisdom. Come home to yourself and remember who you really are.
Cost with Meals Included (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner):
Private Ensuite $595 | Private Bedroom, Hall Bath $490
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.
Please indicate in the notes section of the registration form if you would like to participate in one-on-one spiritual direction with Br. Mark. There are 6 slots available.
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.