This sabbatical programme – for individuals, couples or groups - is planned to be either a short introduction to an experience of Celtic Spirituality or could be part of a longer experience – for example, combined with a week in Iona and/or Holy Island Lindisfarne. Teaching will take place in the mornings between 10:00a.m. and 1:00p.m. and the afternoons and evening are free for study or visits to other places. For example, while in the North of Ireland you may want to visit Belfast, Downpatrick or the ancient monastic site of Nendrum. You may also want to visit The Corrymeela Centre for Peace and Reconciliation on the North Coast, and The Giant’s Causeway – one of the 7 wonders of the world!
The course is facilitated mainly by the Director of the Centre for Celtic Spirituality, Rev’d Grace Clunie M.A., and is based on her book Sacred Living: Practical inspirations from Celtic Spirituality for the contemporary spiritual journey. (Published by Columba Press, Dublin, 2011 £5.99) Spiritual Direction is also available (evenings only) by arrangement.
The suggested base for your stay is The Servite Priory Benburb, a lovely little village, 6 miles from Armagh, and surrounded by acres of beautiful woodland and nature walks. The Priory contains several libraries and books on Celtic Spirituality will also be available. Arrangements for your stay will need to be made directly with the Priory.
Servite Priory Benburb 10 Main Street, Benburb, County Tyrone, N. Ireland BT71 7JZ.
Tel: 028-3754 8241/ 028-3754 8533 Fax: 028-3754 8524 EMail: servitepriory@btinternet.com
Web site: www.Servites-benburb.com
The Programme
Day One: Arrival, welcome and introductions. If you are coming from Dublin Airport, we would suggest you might want to spend a night or two in Dublin before you come North, in particular to see one of the best preserved early Christian monastic communities in the world – Glendalough, County Wicklow. You may also want to see The Book of Kells in Trinity College Dublin and the wonderful Irish High Crosses at Monasterboice, County Meath.
Day Two 10:00a.m. Celtic Prayer
10:30 a.m. to 1:00p.m. Introduction to Celtic Spirituality – an overview.
Day Three 10:00a.m. Celtic Prayer.
10:30a.m. to 1:00p.m. Mythology and Mystery – A visit to Navan and a tour of the old cathedral from a Celtic Perspective.
Day Four 10:00a.m. Celtic Prayer.
10:30a.m. to 1:00p.m. – Sacred Creation – The wells and the High Crosses.
Day Five 10:00a.m. Celtic Prayer.
10:30a.m. to 1:00p.m. Hospitality and Anamcara – A visit to a local group or from a representative working for peace and reconciliation.
Day Six 10:00a.m. Celtic Prayer.
10:30a.m. to 1:00p.m. Creative Spirituality – an art workshop and meditation, drawing together the threads of the week.
The Cost (Flight and accomodation not included). This price includes morning sessions and transport to sites , where there are one to three people. (N.B. Prices quoted are in pounds sterling, whereas the Republic of Ireland uses the Euro).
One person – £36.00 per day for The Centre for Celtic Spirituality.
Two people – £25.00 per day per person for The Centre for Celtic Spirituality.
Three people – £20.00 per day per person for The Centre for Celtic Spirituality.
Larger groups can negotiate a reasonable total cost.
Spiritual direction sessions are £25.00 per one hour session.
For further information - Send an EMail to contact@celtic-spirituality.net with your suggested dates and outlining your particular interest in Celtic Spirituality. Booking The Centre for Celtic Spirituality’s sabbatical programme will require a down-payment (non refundable) of £50 sterling.