Autumn Retreat | ‘Stop looking and start seeing’ – a contemplative journey with Thomas Merton in word and image

In this autumn retreat at George Bell House, largely spent in silence, we invite participants to step out of the intensity of their life and to come on a contemplative journey with Thomas Merton using the bible, his writings and his photography as our guide. 

Event details

Tickets
£55 (Day) | From £160 (Residential)
Date
-
Venue
George Bell House, 4 Canon Lane
Category
Lent, Holy Week & Easter, Art & Exhibitions, History & Heritage, Community, Talks & Lectures
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This retreat will include an introduction to the life of Merton and his writings, how Merton used photography as a tool for contemplation, as well as time to explore a small collection of his photographs as an aid to contemplation. Weather permitting there will also be the opportunity to spend some time in the Bishop’s Place Gardens on a contemplative walk using your camera or mobile phone if you wish.

 The retreat will be guided by Earl Collins, the Canon Chancellor and John Workman, an art history postgraduate researcher and member of the Cathedral congregation. There are opportunities for individual spiritual conversation with Earl Collins alongside the sessions.

How much does this retreat cost?

  • £190.00 per person
  • £160.00 per person to share a twin/double room
  • £55.00 day attendance on 2nd & 3rd March only (supper not included)

How do I book?

Please call 01243 813586 or email bookings@chichestercathedral.org.uk to book residential places.  

Day attendance only can be booked online, click here to reserve your space.

Itinerary for the Retreat

Sunday 15 November (for those staying)
  • 16.00 Arrival and welcome.
  • 16.30 Tea and introductions.
  • 17.00 Opening session on contemplative prayer.
  • 17.40 Informal Evening Prayer.
  • 18.30 Supper (Bonhoeffer Room)
  • 19.30 Compline
  • Silence 
Monday 16 November
  • Silence is kept until 10.00
  • 08.00 Eucharist (Lady Chapel in Cathedral)
  • 09.00 Breakfast (Bonhoeffer Room)
  • 09.30- 10.00 Registration for day visitors.
  • 10.00 Session 1. Thomas Merton- an introduction. (Followed by discussion.)
  • 10.45. Coffee
  • 11.15 Session 2. Thomas Merton and contemplation (Followed by questions and silence.)
  • 12.30 Time of quiet and Midday prayer.
  • 13.00 Sandwich lunch
  • 14.00. Optional Practical Session 3.  Merton, contemplation and photography. This session will give participants the opportunity to spend some time outside on a contemplative walk (taking their own photographs if they wish).
  • 15.30. Session 4. A contemplative look at Merton’ photographs 1 (followed discussion.)
  • 16.30 Tea
  • 17.30 Evensong in the Cathedral (day visitors depart)
  • 18.30 Supper (Bonhoeffer Room)
  • 19.30 Compline
  • Silence
Tuesday 16 November
  • Silence is kept until 10.00
  • 08.00 Eucharist (Lady Chapel in Cathedral)
  • 09.00 Breakfast (Bonhoeffer Room)
  • 09.30- 10.00. Day visitors arrive.
  • 10.00 Session 5.  Merton and photography. (Followed by discussion.)
  • 10.50 Coffee
  • 11.15 Session 6. A contemplative look at Merton’ photographs 2 (followed discussion.)
  • 12.30 Time of quiet and Midday prayer.
  • 13.00 Sandwich lunch
  • Guests depart