Celtic Retreat: Journey to the Heart

This guided retreat is a weaving toward the Heart with an introduction into Celtic practices that support the journey.

This retreat is a perfect opportunity to reflect and renew your body, mind, spirit with an inward and outward weaving of Celtic practices. 

Enjoy personal free-time sinking into the quiet and stillness at Well of Mercy.  Your time may involve exploring trails, experiencing the quiet of nature, walking the prayer path and meditating at the prayer stations, meandering the labyrinth, reading, drawing, journaling, enjoying the rhythms of rest through napping, dreaming, or receiving a therapeutic service. (Note: Spiritual Direction, Healing Touch and Massage services are an additional fee and are scheduled directly with providers).

Group sessions include reflective journaling, mindfulness meditation, Celtic music, drumming, encircling prayer, a nature walk as well as creating a nature mandala.  We will learn how Celtic traditions recognize the sacredness and blessing of each moment including lessons of wisdom from St. Patrick and St. Brigid.  Enjoy Celtic blessings, music, prayers as well as writings from Celtic writers.

A Blessing for Presence
-by John O’Donohue
May you awaken to the mystery of being here
And enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.
May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.
May you receive great encouragement when new frontiers beckon.
May you respond to the call of your gift
And find the courage to follow its path.
May the flame of anger free you from falsity.
 May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame and anxiety never linger about you.
May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul.
May you take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.
May you be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.
May you experience each day as a sacred gift,
Woven around the heart of wonder.

Retreat is limited to 16 participants. Early registration is encouraged. Cost includes retreat, materials, handouts, and lodging for 3 nights in a private guest room with a private bath. The beautiful Sisters House accommodations are also available.

Therapeutic services of Spiritual Direction, Massage, and Healing Touch are available for additional fees.

The retreat is led by Sandra O’Brien and Connie Hoffner who share a love of the Celtic tradition.

Meet Your Retreat Guides

Sandra O’Brien 

Since her first visit in 2007, Sandra believes in the personal healing that Well guests experience.

The sacred quiet she found the year her mother passed solidified her commitment to preserving this oasis for others. Becoming Well’s Executive Director in 2018, Sandra brought not only a passion for sacred listening, she blends together her expertise in corporate and non-profit management with her passion for art and spiritual nourishment. She incorporates her experience writing and organizing curriculum, leading retreats, teaching Sunday school, and writing plays. Sandra believes in the power of the circle and as a retreat guide assists retreatants in finding their own answers through thoughtful questions, reflective sharing, and meditative instruments.

Connie Hoffner 

With over four decades as a holistic nurse healer and educator, Connie is not only a nurse but she is also a certified Healing Touch practitioner, Divine Sleep yoga Nidra instructor and Veridas trained Labyrinth facilitator. Connie has practiced Healing Touch in a variety of settings throughout the life spectrum and offers this service at Well.  Connie is a life longer learner and is currently studying Celtic Spirituality with The School of Earth and Soul. Connie has a sacred connection to the groups she leads and is the program coordinator at Well of Mercy, bringing many healing programs to our guests.

Wait List
If this event is sold out, you can be added to the Waitlist by emailing our office with your name and retreat title to Mercy@wellofmercy.org. 

Cancellation Policy

Well of Mercy is a ministry of hospitality and healing sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.