Woven in Secret

An Autumn retreat at the St Non’s Retreat Centre took place in October. Romola Parish, who led it, observed life-enhancing – life-changing – experiences among the participants.

This was the first collaboration between the Diocese, the Cathedral and St Non’s. Nine retreatants gathered from across the Diocese, Wales and beyond at the newly refurbished premises.

We spent a week exploring the depths of Psalm 139, each weaving our own reflections and narratives in fabrics, threads and words. The stunning location at the edge of the sea provided a liminal and elemental backdrop to the spiritual journeys that each person undertook. It was a real blessing to see each of them reach out into the unknown, in terms to spiritual engagement, prayerful understanding, as well as new creative techniques.

Each retreatant produced completely unexpected work, layered with meaning, embracing joy, grief, humour and, above all, a love of God. It takes courage to go deep into ourselves and seek what can be an uncomfortable encounter with the living God, but every person showed remarkable willingness to do just that. Although much of the time in the morning workshops was quiet, there was a real sense of mutual support and accompaniment. New friendships emerged across ecumenical and theological boundaries.

Such deep engagement and, in some cases, life-changing and enhancing experiences can only happen in a space that is truly blessed and safe. This was wonderfully provided by St Non’s hosts Eithne and Dominic who have a real gift for welcoming hospitality; by the Cathedral's Janet Ingram, Education and Pilgrimage Officer and Canon Pastor Sheridan James who provided spiritual support to the retreatants each afternoon. Janet also led a pilgrimage to some of the sacred and special places surrounding the Retreat Centre, enabling us to weave the spiritual echoes of the landscape into our own contemplative journeys.

We are looking forward to returning with another retreat in October 2025.