The Desert Fathers and Mothers

This Lent series will be a practical rather than scholarly exploration of some of the
key influences within the history of Christian spirituality, with reflections from
the leaders of each Quiet Day, along with opportunities for discussion,
individual reflection and private prayer.  After 24th February, every Tuesday in March.

Cost: £25 per day, or £90 for the series.

I. The Desert Fathers and Mothers, led by Very Rev Richard Fermer – 24th February

The lives and sayings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers have played a
formative role in shaping the development of subsequent Christian spirituality.
On this day, we will be reflecting and praying around three themes of the
Desert Fathers and Mothers: (i.) the journey towards the goal of stillness
(hesychia); (ii.) repentance and the gift of tears (penthos); (iii.) compassion
and mercy towards others.

Richard Fermer is the Director of the St Bendict’s Centre, West Malling, and
an experienced leader of retreats and pilgrimages. His priestly formation
alongside the Community of the Resurrection gave him a devotion to
monastic spirituality. He has a PhD in Systematic Theology from King’s
College London.

II. Franciscan Spirituality, led by Canon Gordon Oliver – 3rd March

St Francis of Assisi is truly a saint for our times. Our day together will focus
around the four reflection themes of Francis and his Worlds; Francis and the
Cross of Christ; Francis and Clare of Assisi: Reconciliation, Renewal, Hope;
and Franciscans Today. Each session will include input, opportunities for
questions and discussion, silence, and prayer.

Gordon Oliver has served in parish and diocesan ministry and as a practical
theology teacher. He now offers spiritual direction and Christian ministry
support and supervision. He is a member or the Anglican Franciscan Third
Order and is currently Area Formation Guardian of the West Kent Area.

III: Ignatian Spirituality, led by the Rev’d Dr Susanne Carlsson – 10th March

Who was Ignatius of Loyola? How did the spirituality associated with him
develop and what is distinctive about Ignatian Spirituality? How is this
spirituality lived today and what makes Ignatius of Loyola so popular?
The day is geared towards those who are interested in learning more about
Ignatian spirituality, and during it, there will be time to experience a taste of
Ignatian spirituality.

Susanne Carlsson is the Spiritual Adviser for Rochester Diocese, and she is
a teacher, spiritual director, and retreat guide in the UK and Scandinavia,
specialising in Ignatian spirituality.

Session IV: Benedictine Spirituality, led by Mother Anne OSB – 17th March

The Rule of Saint Benedict lays out a pattern of life that integrates mind, body
and spirit so that we may engage our whole being to ‘pray without ceasing’. It
continues to inspire people today and provides much wisdom to guide us as
we seek to live God-centred lives in our distracted and media-soaked society.

Mother Anne has a PhD in computer science from Cambridge University, UK,
and worked for 25 years in the hi-tech world of ‘Silicon Fen’ (as the area
around Cambridge has come to be known). She was involved in early
experiments with social media but became disillusioned with the idea that
more technology was always a good thing. This led to training in massage
therapy and exploration of the relationship between body and prayer.
Eventually she followed God’s call to live a life of prayer, entering the
Benedictine monastic community of Malling Abbey in the UK in 2009.

V. “Celtic Spirituality” led by Dr Peter Ruxton – 24th March

Influenced by the tradition of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, and early
monasticism, the day will consider why Celtic Spirituality is important,
reflecting particularly on ‘the Presence of God and the Sacramental Universe’
and ‘Peregrinatio and the Inner Journey.’

Peter Ruxton completed a dissertation on Celtic Spirituality as part of a
Sarum College (Salisbury) MA in 2023. He has continued to research the
Celtic genre, publishing in December 2024 and running retreats on the
subject. Peter is also a trained Spiritual Director and a Trustee of the School
of Contemplative Life.

Cost: £25 per day, or £90 for the series.