“American Teilhard Association Annual Event 2024 with John Philip Newell”

June 1, 2024

Zoom and In-Person Retreat Available!

Click here to register.

Join Sr. Kathleen Duffy, SSJ and the American Teilhard Association as we welcome John Philip Newell on Zoom as the featured speaker for our 2024 Annual Event! You can register to join us from anywhere in the world, but we have also developed an option that will allow those of us who can to join at Daylesford Abbey to deepen the experience by participating in a weekend retreat.

Rev. Dr. John Philip Newell is the author of over twenty books, including his upcoming title The Great Search: Turning to Earth and Soul in the Quest for Healing and Home (August 2024).  His title “Sacred Earth Sacred Soul” (2021) lends a specific focus to Teilhard’s spirituality and vision of a sacred earth and a sacred universe.

John Philip and his wife, Ali, live in Scotland from where they travel extensively, teaching, speaking, and leading retreats and workshops on Celtic Spirituality. They have established a foundation called Heartbeat, whose purpose is to be part of healing in our world through earth-honoring spirituality, by facilitating interfaith relationship, and by engaging young adults.

John Philip will present to us via Zoom, yet we invite you to join us in person at Daylesford Abbey’s Spirituality and Retreat Center.  Guided by Sr. Kathleen Duffy and other board members of the American Teilhard Association, we will gather in fellowship for small group discussions, prayer, meals, and socials.

Registration and check-in will begin at 3:00pm on Friday, May 31.  We will then gather for dinner and our opening address from ATA President Sr. Kathleen Duffy, SSJ, PhD.  From there, we will break out into small groups to begin discussion of Newell’s text on Teilhard from Sacred Earth Sacred Soul (the reading will be provided in advance), followed by a social to continue to get to know one another and to conclude the evening.

On Saturday morning, breakfast will be available and Sam and Paula Guarnaccia will lead a Cosmic Walk to begin the day for those interested. There will be another opportunity for small group discussion in preparation for Newell’s presentation, followed by an early lunch at 11:00am.  John Philip Newell will present to us via Zoom at 12:00pm.  We will gather to view his presentation, and there will be an opportunity after for live Q&A in the room. We will have microphones and you will be able to ask John Philip questions live, as well as in the chat for those participating virtually. After our plenary session, there will be an opportunity to continue the conversation over coffee and snacks.

Later that evening after dinner, we will join in the Our Lady of the Assumption Church at the Abbey to listen to the Celtic Mass for Peace composed by Sam Guarnaccia and written by John Philip Newell.  After the Celtic Mass, our evening concludes with refreshments and a social.

Sunday morning offers breakfast and an opportunity to gather for a final time in sharing our experiences from the weekend. Guests are invited to join the larger Abbey community for Sunday Mass at 10:30am.  Checkout is at 12:00pm.

Beyond Sunday Mass, guests are welcome to join the Norbertine community for daily morning prayer, Mass, and vespers. A schedule will be provided.

The Abbey is housed on over 80 beautiful acres of Pennsylvania countryside, located about 30 minutes from Philadelphia International Airport. It is home to the Norbertines priests and brothers (Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré), a community working for peace and reconciliation.  It  features daily chanted prayer, friendly hosts, church, chapels, courtyards, walking trails, and comfortable amenities in a bucolic setting.

The land features wooded areas, streams, ponds, and fields, including a serpentine (rock) community home to some rare and native plant and animal species.

The Abbey has WiFi, is air conditioned, and is handicapped accessible. Overnight rooms have a sink and mirror, towels, and a bed with pillows, linens, and blankets. The bathrooms and showers are private, yet shared. The kitchen staff prepares daily, fresh cooked meals for the priests and retreatants.

Click here for the event flyer and more information.

Click here to register: Zoom and In-Person options available.