Where are the wellsprings of hope for you? For us together? Such questions haunted T.S. Eliot as Europe hurtled into the darkness of World War II. They continue to face us in our
lives and in our time. Eliot’s response was writing Four Quartets, his last and finest poems, which take us on a spiritual journey through the dark chaos of experience to a vision of unconquerable hope.
In this retreat we will listen to these four poems, with the help of Ralph Fiennes’ recent reading of them. Through lecture and the contemplative practice of lectio divina we will engage with the Quartets and enter into their spiritual wisdom and transformational power.
Participants are asked to bring a copy of Four Quartets, an edition of which is readily available on Amazon, etc. No prior experience of the poems is necessary- and if you have known them for many years as I have this retreat should offer a fresh experience.
Henry Parsley received his undergraduate education in English literature at the University of the South (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, 1970), and his Master of Divinity from The General Theological Seminary (1973). He has studied at Oxford University in the areas of spirituality and soteriology, and received honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees from both the University of the South (1998) and The General Theological Seminary (1998). Parsley is the retired 10th Bishop of Alabama and is a member of the St. Mary’s Sewanee board of trustees.
*Roommates/Couples, contact Reservations directly for roommate discounts.
Financial Assistance Available:
St. Mary’s Sewanee Retreat Center wants anyone who is seeking spiritual transformation here to be allowed that opportunity. If you find it difficult to afford a program, please, contact Reservations for information about financial assistance.
Due to the generous donations of some St. Mary’s Sewanee supporters, there are limited scholarships available and applicable to any sponsored event.
To apply, contact Reservations@stmaryssewanee.org or 931-598-5342 and request an application.
All are welcome here to find Rest, Renewal and Reconnection.
*A minimum registration is required for retreats to take place. If the program does not meet the minimum registration within 2 weeks of the event, there is the possibility of cancellation. If SMS cancels a retreat for any reason, any registered guest will receive a full refund of all payments.
Deposit & Cancellation Policies:
A $100 non-transferable deposit is required to confirm your registration for an event. It can be fully refunded if cancelled within three (3) days of booking. The remaining balance is due seven (7) days prior to arrival. The credit card on file will automatically be charged the balance unless other payment arrangements have been made.
There are no refunds within 7 days of the event date and payments are non-transferrable.
If you are registering online, payment in full is required at the time of registration. If you prefer to only make the $100 deposit, please register by calling us at 931-598-5342.
Lodging in Anna House (motel style room, private bathroom), meals, program fees and materials included
Lodging in St. Mary's Hall (dorm style room, shared bathroom in hallway), meals, program fees and material included
Lodging not included. Meals, program fees and materials included.