The Dark Night of the Soul and Centering Prayer

It is time to start planning for two upcoming retreats: the Dark Night of the Soul retreat, and the Centering Prayer Post-Intensive Retreat.

The Centering Prayer retreat is one we look forward to each summer, and this year it will be preceded by the Dark Night of the Soul retreat, a meditation on the way God transforms all our lives. You may attend either retreat on its own, but may also choose to attend both as a weeklong introspective. Both retreats are facilitated by Susan Komis, and include meals and lodging at Benet House retreat center.

The Dark Night of the Soul: The Night of Sense, the Night of Spirit, will take place from Friday, August 16th to Sunday, August 18th. Retreatants will come to understand the metaphor of the “Dark Night” through the journey of St. John of the Cross. You will attend presentations, work in small groups, pray and reflect in periods of silence, and practice Centering Prayer in contemplative community. Some knowledge of Centering Prayer will be helpful, but is not required - all are welcome to join us on this transformative retreat.

The Centering Prayer Post-Intensive Retreat will begin as the Dark Night of the Soul retreat ends, on the evening of Sunday, August 18th and conclude Friday, August 24th. This retreat is focused on Centering Prayer and complete silence, a chance to deepen your personal practice of contemplative prayer. Whether you reflect on the lessons learned in the Dark Night of the Soul or attend the Centering Prayer Post-Intensive Retreat on its own, these days of silence and prayer are sure to be enlightening. To attend the Centering Prayer Post-Intensive Retreat, we do ask that you have practiced Centering Prayer for at least one year.

You may register for the Dark Night of the Soul Retreat by clicking here, or register for the Centering Prayer Post-Intensive Retreat by clicking here. You may register for both retreats by selecting them both in the “Options” dropdown of your registration. If you have questions or concerns about either retreat, or the registration process, please contact Sr. Jackie Walsh by calling (309) 283-2108 or emailing retreats@smmsisters.org.