Friday, January 27 – Sunday, January 29, 2017
Led by James Ruff
The ancient Celts prized deep connections with nature and the divine wisdom hidden within it, and their spiritual tradition is deeply embedded in our own Anglican Christianity. In this introductory retreat, we will examine traits that distinguish Celtic Christian spirituality and read selected writings from early Celtic Christian theologians that illuminate their thoughts and theology. We will learn early Gaelic chants, stories of the Celtic saints, and prayers from the Carmina Gadelica, a collection of early Celtic prayers from the Hebrides. Through the beauty of prayer, chant, Celtic harp music, story, and time spent walking and praying in nature, we will seek to deepen our awareness of Christ’s presence, within ourselves and in all that surrounds us.
James Ruff is a professional singer and harper specializing in music for voice and harp from Gaelic Scotland and Ireland. A speaker of Scottish Gaelic and a member of the Episcopal Church since 2000, he has also been involved with the Ceile De (Culdee) Order – a Celtic Christian monastic order centered in Scotland – since 2005. He has sung as soloist with many early music groups, opera companies and festivals throughout the US and in Europe, teaches Music: Voice at Vassar College, and was Director of Music at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Stone Ridge, NY from 2004-2015. Find out more at: www.jamesrufftenorharper.com.
Cost: $275; deposit: $80