Presented by Br. Mark D’Alessio
Mary Oliver’s poetry has been a source of inspiration for many on the spiritual path. Join us for a quiet day where we will contemplatively spend time exploring her invitations to poetry as spiritual practice. Using Dream Work, considered Oliver’s best book of poems, we will meditate, journal, walk in nature, and practice lectio and visio divina. Dream Work contains some of Oliver’s best known poems — including “Wild Geese” and “The Summer Day” — and continues her search to understand both the wonder and pain of nature. Nature, in Dream Work, includes the soul, the tension between living and dying, and between being an individual and also being one with all creatures. It’s a collection of spirited, expressive meditations on the impossibilities of what we call lives. Join Br. Mark to explore the mystery, grace, and search for wholeness we share in common with Oliver’s dangerous yet beautiful poetry.
COST | $60, LUNCH INCLUDED
We’re honored to offer scholarship opportunities to programs and retreats, creating opportunities for everyone. Please call (860) 567-3163 to find out more.
The health and safety of our guests and staff are of paramount importance to us. We follow the COVID-19 guidelines provided by the State of Connecticut and the CDC. If Wisdom House is forced to close to comply with the guidelines issued by the State of Connecticut or the CDC, we will return all funds received to date.
The Rt. Rev. Br. Mark D’Alessio is a Franciscan friar in the new religious society of the Companions of Francis and Clare. He’s also a interspiritual Christian bishop and priest, spiritual director, chaplain, retreat leader, author, and past President and Executive Director of the Psychotherapy & Spirituality Institute which draws together the inspiration of the church with the wisdom of psychological care.
As a Franciscan, he’s committed to serving those who are sidelined, most vulnerable and at risk. Last year, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless awarded him with their “Unsung Hero” Award for his ministry as a crisis counselor and program coordinator at a shelter for men and women who are homeless and as a chaplain at a residential treatment center and school for children with learning and emotional disabilities.
A long-time seeker and practitioner of spiritual wisdom, he’s initiated into multiple spiritual lineages, both East (Buddhist) and West (Christian); does his best to affirm the Christian Wisdom tradition within a wider inter-spiritual framework; and, looks to God’s science and spiritual heroes (such as Thích Nhat Hanh and Francis and Clare of Assisi) as sources of inspiration and hope.
Br. Mark is a graduate of the Guild for Spiritual Guidance, founded by Henri Nouwen and Madeline L’Engle, where he is currently a faculty member and community leader. He's also a faculty member at All Faiths Seminary International for the training of interfaith ministers.