You're invited! • Join me on Retreat — in-person at Wisdom House • Come for one or both retreats!
Let’s explore how to slow down,
in the midst of this most tender time –
for a choice of two in-person retreats
in August…
Sponsored by Wisdom House •
Deep peace, dear friends, +Br. Mark
• Register Today • CLICK on LINKS below…
Retreat 1
ANNUAL ‘MARY OLIVER’ RETREAT
“Saved by the Beauty of the World: Poetry on Life, Death, & Everything In-Between”
In-Person at Wisdom House
Saturday • August 23rd • 9:30AM to 3:30PM ET
Mary Oliver is a favorite of poetry lovers of all ages for her lyrical, intimate, and sensitive poems, many of which use nature
as a lens for exploring a wide spiritual spectrum of human emotions, from love and joy to sorrow and despair. The best Mary Oliver poems remind us to pause and take a breath, revel in our surroundings, and encourage us not to take anything for granted.
Led by the Rt. Rev. Br. Mark D'Alessio
"Listen – are you breathing just a little, and calling it a life?” (Mary Oliver)
REGISTER TODAY:
https://www.wisdomhouse.org/program-calendar/mary-oliver-2025
Join us next month for our annual Mary Oliver Retreat Day, led by Br. Mark, one of Wisdom House’s most popular facilitators. Through reflection, discussion, and contemplative practice, we’ll explore the ways in which Oliver’s poetry teaches us to see the world with greater simplicity, and deeper wonder and gratitude.
Together, we’ll support each other awaken to life’s everyday miracles and embrace poetry as a spiritual practice. Whether you’re familiar with her poetry or encountering her work for the first time, we hope that this year’s theme, The Beauty of the World, will move you with some of her best poems, including her own favorites — and perhaps inspire you to write some poems of your own.
Though, sadly, Mary Oliver passed away in 2019, her poems serve as a poignant reminder to be present in every moment, whether it be a joyous occasion or a quiet, somber one. Join Br, Mark for an in-person retreat day poetry, reflection, and spiritual discovery as we, too, can learn what it means to be "saved by the beauty of the world.”
In-person at Wisdom House
229 E Litchfield Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759
COST | $75, lunch is included
You can join us for the day; you can also contact Wisdom House to stay over -- the night before and/or after the retreat day.
Click Here to Register Today:
https://www.wisdomhouse.org/program-calendar/mary-oliver-2025
Or,, private message me for more information
Or, for more info, phone Wisdom House (860) 567-3163
Deep peace, dear friends,
+Br. Mark
• • •
Retreat 2
SILENT DIRECTED RETREATS
“Five Days of Silence in a Beautiful Natural Setting – with Time for Reflection, Rest, and a Dip in the Pool”
In-Person at Wisdom House
• Begins Sun Aug 24 at 5:00 PM ET
• Ends Fri Aug 29 at 10:00 AM ET
Step away from the demands of daily life and into a sanctuary of peace. Our five-day retreats invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace the stillness that allows your soul to awaken.
Led by the Rt. Rev. Br. Mark D'Alessio
"Silence is essential – we need silence just as much as we need air, just as much a plant needs light..." (Thich Nhat Hanh)
REGISTER TODAY:
https://wh.retreatportal.com/events/f?p=EVENTS:13:::::P0_EMBED,P13_PROGRAM_ID:0,6755
Nestled in the tranquil Litchfield Hills, Wisdom House offers the perfect setting to disconnect from the noise and rediscover the wisdom within. Each day, you’ll meet one-on-one with your spiritual companion who will walk beside you as you reflect, heal, and grow.
Let nature and silence restore you—immerse yourself in the gentle rhythm of a labyrinth walk, find inspiration in our art gallery, or simply rest by the pool under the summer sun. Take long walks along quiet country roads, read sacred texts that nourish your spirit, or pour your reflections onto the pages of a journal. There's also a pool!
Join Br. Mark to come home to yourself. Let this time away be a gift — one of renewal, clarity, and deep spiritual connection. Join us for five days of restful quiet.
In-person at Wisdom House
229 E Litchfield Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759
COST | Private Room with Hall Bath $540 | Includes All Meals
We’re honored to offer scholarship opportunities to programs and retreats, creating opportunities for everyone. Please call (860) 567-3163 to find out more.
Click Here to Register Today:
https://wh.retreatportal.com/events/f?p=EVENTS:13:::::P0_EMBED,P13_PROGRAM_ID:0,6755
Or, private message me for more information
Or, for more info, phone Wisdom House (860) 567-3163 •
Deep peace, dear friends,
+Br. Mark
• • •
Sponsored by Wisdom House
Wisdom House is an interfaith retreat and conference center presenting programs in spirituality, wellness, the arts, and ecology. The center was founded by the Daughters of Wisdom and welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Retreats Facilitated by Bishop Br. Mark D’Alessio
The Rt. Rev. Br. Mark D’Alessio is a Franciscan friar in the spiritual society of the Companions of Francis and Clare. He’s also a Christian bishop and priest, spiritual director, chaplain, retreat leader, interspiritual pilgrim, author, and past President and Executive Director of the Psychotherapy & Spirituality Institute. A graduate of the Guild for Spiritual Guidance, founded by Henri Nouwen and Madeline L’Engle, he is now a faculty member and community leader. He’s also a faculty member at All Faiths Seminary International for the training of interfaith ministers and the Dean of the Franciscan Circle Spiritual Direction and Community-based Chaplaincy Training Program. A long-time seeker and practitioner of spiritual wisdom, he’s ordained in multiple spiritual lineages, both East (Buddhist, Thich Nhat Hanh’s Order of Interbeing) and West (Christian) and does his best to affirm the Christian Wisdom tradition within a wider inter-spiritual framework.
Currently, Bishop Br. Mark lives on Long Island and recently served as a crisis counselor and program coordinator at a shelter for men and women experiencing homeless and as a chaplain at a residential treatment center and school for children with learning and emotional disabilities. Moving to Long Island, he founded the Franciscan Circle, a progressive, interfaith gathering of clergy and lay people who seek to journey in mind and heart with the witness and wisdom of the Saints of Assisi, Francis and Clare. The Circle is dedicated to developing leaders for thoughtful social action and spiritual care. As a Franciscan, he’s committed to serving those who are sidelined and at risk.
The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless awarded Br. Mark with their “Unsung Hero” Award.
• •
REGISTER TODAY! Phone Wisdom House to Register (860) 567-3163 - or -CLICK on one of the links above!
Join us for one or both retreats:
(1) Mary Oliver • Sat Aug 23
(2) Silent Directed Retreats • Sun Aug 24 to Fri Aug 29
Also check out other Arts events in Litchfield, Literary Art events in Litchfield.
