Searching for Home: Thomas Merton and Thomas Berry in Conversation
Engage with two thinkers foundational for the sisters in the imagining of Prairiewoods
A 30th Anniversary Retreat!
Thomas Merton spent a lifetime searching for a physical and spiritual home. While he found some sense of it at Gethsemani, his searching continued even to the abrupt end of his life. Still, Merton had an uncanny ability to sense the Divine in whatever landscape or environment he was in. This related also to his search for the True Self.
Thomas Berry spent his later years trying to lead us home, recognizing that our true home is found not in some spiritual realm, but grounded on this Earth within the larger context of a Universe infused with the Divine.
Where Merton spoke of discovering the True Self, Berry spoke of the “small self” (the individual ‘I’) and the “Great Self” interconnected with the unfolding Universe. Berry, like Merton, believed it is through our Earth community that we discover both our genuine self and the Divine.
Retreatants will:
- explore the writings of Merton and Berry in conversation,
- reflect on what it means to find home and how our own sense of home and place affects our lives,
- consider both the spiritual and physical aspects of home and how they necessarily co-exist,
- engage in conversation, journal prompts, individual and group reflection.
Judith and Carol spoke together at the 19th General Meeting of the International Thomas Merton Society in July, 2025.
Lodger Fee: $255, includes sessions; Friday and Saturday lodging, Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner; Sunday breakfast and lunch
Commuter Fee: $195, includes sessions; Saturday lunch, dinner; Sunday lunch
Register Now: https://pw.retreatportal.com/calendar/event?programcode=26PGR34005