Breath, Passion, Vitality, Memoria: A Celtic Advent

From the 4^th century, the ancient Celtic Church, many Christians and others since, have observed the season of Advent for forty days, beginning at sunset on November 15th and ending at sunset on December 24^th.

This retreat imaginatively interweaves the wonder, possibility and mystery of incarnation with the sacred gifts of creation: air, fire, water and earth.

Companioned by one another, may we gently and contemplatively prepare for an emerging Advent season.

We gather at Glenside Seaview Lodge, 190 Church Road, near Seacliff. This retreat place and space, surrounded by a beautiful, panoramic landscape of coast and country, offers a comforting, warm, and welcoming space for our day away.

The fee is $95.00 per person, which includes morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and all resources.

Facilitated by Hilary Oxford Smith and Anneloes de Groot.

To register or find out more, email hilary@spiritofbradan.com.

About Anneloes de Groot

Anneloes is a New Zealander of Dutch descent and brings over thirty years of experience supporting individuals and families to her role as Retreat co-facilitator. She holds a Counselling Diploma from the Open Polytechnic NZ and worked as a Manager with Victim Support from 2001 to 2005 and as a Community Worker with the Carer’s Society Otago from 2006 to 2019. In her community work, she offered compassionate guidance to unpaid family carers through one-on-one sessions and group workshops.  Her expertise also includes grief work, art therapy, mindfulness and meditation.

In addition to her professional journey,  Anneloes has a passion for the healing potential of music and sings in the City Choir Dunedin. She was formerly a member of Rare Byrds, an early music consort. She is actively engaged in her local spiritual community in Õtepoti, attending the Dunedin Quaker Meeting. Interested in the richness and diversity of all faiths, she is committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere for retreat participants from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that everyone feels respected and valued.

She finds peace in gardening, Celtic spirituality, reading and the visual arts. She treasures solitude and finds inspiration in the quietness of nature. These enrich her life and contribute to her role as a facilitator, bringing a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the human experience. She embodies an open mind and a warm heart.