People came from 13 states and Canada to attend the New England School of Celtic Consciousness with John Philip Newell held at and in collaboration with Mercy by the Sea. The second annual gathering drew 170 participants; all seekers wanting to deepen their knowledge of Celtic Christian wisdom.
In 2016, John Philip founded the School of Celtic Consciousness with the conviction that Celtic wisdom is “urgently” needed at this moment in time. “The instinct for seeing the sacredness in all things is rising again,” he said. John Philip also observes a widespread spiritual yearning for a deeper integration of the feminine and the masculine.
Keeping a nature journal is a quest to find, through art and nature, a kinship with the universal and the Divine. When sitting quietly in the woods, I am learning to discover all the mysteries and lessons nature has to teach. I am finding my place in the universe and recognizing universal principles and patterns of life. My observations help me to come to terms with life and death. They help me find meaning.
Last weekend, Program Associate Claire Rusowicz and I welcomed 35 individuals who came to Mercy by the Sea to “rest in God.” The three-day silent retreat offered Centering Prayer sessions; a labyrinth walk; Saturday night gathering with chants, prayers and reflection; and much quiet time for walks on the beach and grounds, reading, gazing at the artwork that graces the main building; and private prayer.
Many of the participants asked for copies of various quotes, poems and prayers that were used throughout the retreat. Here is a sampling:
This week Mercy by the Sea is immersed in silence. The summer retreat season, which runs from the end of June through July and August, is now in full swing with a combination of directed retreats and two summer Sabbaths.
