Presented by Br. Mark D’Alessio
Saturday, December 7, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (ET) | On-line via Zoom
Join Br. Mark for this one-day online retreat and step into Advent as a sacred season of stillness, mystery, and renewal. As the world quiets at the threshold of winter, we’re invited to listen deeply for the hidden movements of God—both within us and in the world around us.
We’ll draw inspiration from Julian of Norwich’s vision of “divine enfolding,” Howard Thurman’s call to “keep the dream alive,” Ilia Delio’s evolutionary hope for a world made new, and Mary Oliver’s sacramental way of noticing the holy in the ordinary. Together we’ll explore practices of silence, creativity, and sacred conversation to prepare our hearts for the Christ-light that is coming.
Morning: The Dark Womb of God
Enter the fertile mystery of Advent’s waiting. Julian of Norwich reminds us: “God works in the darkness, for it is there that life begins.” This session invites us to embrace stillness and unknowing—not as absence but as sacred spaces where God’s hidden work unfolds and where our deepest longings take root.
Midday: Birthing Christ Within
Meister Eckhart challenges: “We are all meant to be mothers of God.” How might we prepare the manger of our hearts for the birth of divine presence? With Howard Thurman’s encouragement to “keep the dream alive,” we’ll reflect on what it means to incarnate love, hope, and justice in a world longing for healing.
Afternoon: Light That Transforms
As Advent moves toward the promise of light, we’ll consider Thomas Merton’s insight: “In the dark we grasp what the light cannot hold.” Ilia Delio calls us to an evolutionary hope that transforms all creation. And with Mary Oliver’s gentle invitation to “pay attention… be astonished… tell about it,” we’ll discern how to live as bearers of light and compassion in our time.
With Br. Mark’s Franciscan heart and contemplative guidance, this retreat offers a sacred pause in the busy season — a space to awaken your inner mystic and prepare your spirit to welcome the Christ-light anew.
All Are Welcome. Whether Advent is a familiar journey or a call to new exploration, you are invited to join us. Together we’ll listen, reflect, and reawaken our sense of wonder, awe, and hope.
Online via Zoom
COST | $50 VIA ZOOM
PLEASE NOTE: You are NOT registered for a ZOOM program until you receive a confirmation email. Call 860.567.3163 with questions.
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.