Theme Retreat-The Wisdom of the Mystics

Christian history is filled with stories of men and women who
experienced a profound sense of God's presence in their lives. Can the
teachings of the mystics still speak to us today? The mystics themselves
would say "Yes." Furthermore, their message is not just for priests,
monks or nuns, but is indeed meant for the entire people of God. With
this in mind, during this retreat we will look at several ways that the
wisdom of the Christian mystics can provide insight and inspiration
for our age, including the universal call to holiness, St. Paul's directive
to "pray without ceasing," and the promise from the Psalms to "Be still
and know that I am God."

Carl McColman is a contemplative writer, speaker, retreat leader,
catechist and spiritual companion. He is the author of several books,
including Befriending Silence, Answering the Contemplative Call, and The Big Book of Christian Mysticism. He is a life-professed Lay
Cistercian (a layperson under formal spiritual guidance of Cistercian
monks) affiliated with the Trappist Monastery of the Holy Spirit in
Conyers, Georgia. He also received formation in the practice of
Christian spirituality and contemplative leadership through the
Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation.