(IN SITU) EXPLORING SCRIPTURE

FEBRUARY 2027 at Avila Carmelite Centre, Dublin.

(IN SITU) Exploring Scripture…
An invitation to renew our relationship with God through the Living Word. The great Carmelite saints, St Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross, did not simply read Scripture - they breathed it. The words of the Gospel ran through their lives and prayer. These four retreat days invite you to follow their example. We will pray with Scripture in a fresh, creative and contemplative way.
The days will each focus on one of the following compelling biblical texts: The Book of Ruth, The Woman at the Well, The Book of Jonah and The Healing of Legion.

Every retreat has been uniquely prepared to help us enter the world of Scripture through a rich variety of approaches; 3 of the 4 retreats include short dramatic performances that bring the biblical narratives to life, all retreats include reflective spiritual discussion, music, silence, prayer, creative ways of exploring the Bible etc.
St Teresa reminds us that the words of Christ are not merely ideas to be understood but "acts wrought within us." Hopefully, these retreats will allow Scripture not simply to inform us but to become more real for us.
Whether you are new to praying with Scripture or have journeyed with it for many years, you are warmly invited to join these February retreats. Seek to discover anew the power of God's Living Word to renew, challenge, heal and inspire.

 

THE BOOK OF RUTH DAY - Based on an incredibly strong woman, the book of Ruth is a treasure chest of gifts. We will dive deep into the text, and swim in its fascinating symbolism. A creative one-woman short theatre piece ‘The Red Thread’ will be presented; this will creatively bring us into the roles key woman played in the salvation story. There will be an opportunity for discussion and a beautiful space to reflect on themes and soul-questions. We will approach this crucial text attentively and prayerfully.  

 

Wednesday 10^th February 2027 10am Coffee, 10.30am start, finishes at 4pm. Cost 30 euros.

 

THE WOMAN AT THE WELL DAY - An invitation to journey to the well, to Christ the Living Water. At Jacob’s well, Jesus broke strict rules of his time in order to reach a woman who was struggling with past relationships, exclusion and isolation; he listened to her in a non-judgmental way, saw her huge potential and she was transformed, finding her own confidence and her own voice. We will explore this intriguing Gospel passage, which helps to illuminate our inner soul journeys and offers an invitation to walk to the ‘well’, to Christ the One who restores us. The day will include a short theatre piece, presentation, discussion, imaginative guided prayer etc.

 

Saturday 13^th February 2027 10am coffee, 10.30am start, finishes at 4pm. Mass at 12pm. Cost 30 euros.

 

IN THE BELLY OF THE WHALE: A DAY RETREAT ON SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION - Jonah’s descent into the belly of the whale is an ancient, inspirational story. A compelling tool for spiritual transformation, exploring soul questions, considering what descent into death and resurrection into new life could mean, and the call to experience of a God of compassion without limits.  In this creative retreat, we will experience visual imagery, discussion, a mindful labyrinth prayer walk and reflection to explore the story of Jonah.

Sunday 14^th February 2027 10am Coffee, 10.30am start. Finishes at 4pm. Mass at 11.30am. Cost 30 euros.

 

THE HEALING OF LEGION (Mark 5: 1-20) DAY - In Mark’s Gospel, emerges an incredible text. It’s a glimpse of a possessed man isolated, harming himself, violent, and living among the haunting landscape of tombs; the Greek word for ‘tomb’ can also mean ‘memory’. Modern understandings of this character called ‘Legion’ would probably see him as suffering from PTSD. Then the brave, discerning, healer Christ crosses the sea to face the man’s belligerent demons… and later, the villagers are amazed at the man’s transformation. This encounter of such hope will provide a potent space in which to invite Christ into our chaos; the calm, knowing and healing Christ who sits down beside us, listens and offers us freedom.

Saturday 20th February 2027 10am Coffee, 10.30am start, finishes at 4pm. Mass at 12pm. Cost 30 euros.

 

Tea and coffee will be provided at all 4 retreats. Free parking available. Please bring packed lunches. 10am coffee, then start at 10.30am, finish at 4pm.

Participants may wish to attend all 4 retreats (total cost 120 euros). However, if not, please feel free to book just 1 or more of the retreats. (Cost per day retreat – 30 euros).

ALL BOOKINGS SHOULD BE MADE THROUGH AVILA.

Address: Avila Carmelite Centre, Bloomfield Avenue, Morehampton Road, Dublin, D04 YF66, Ireland

Tel: +353 (1) 643 0200
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