Francis & Clare and the Sacred Art of Friendship
with Christine Valters Paintner and Simon de Voil
Friday, October 4, 2024
4-6pm Ireland
11am-1pm Eastern
8-10am Pacific
Program Description
Join us on the Feast of St. Francis for an exploration of Francis and one of his first followers, St. Clare. They were soul friends, anam cara as the Celtic tradition called it, ones who shared an abiding connection of love to one another and sustained each other in their callings and intimacy with the divine.
At the end of Francis’ life, he and Clare prayed together in the Portiuncula and people in Assisi looking down at the church saw it consumed by flames. They came running down and discovered the fire was a spiritual one shimmering from the two saints. Their connection still radiates across time as a witness to the power of friendship for the spiritual life.
Simon and Christine will lead us on a 2-hour mini-retreat to deepen into the wisdom and witness of these two holy ones. Through song, teaching, meditation, and sharing we will listen together for how Francis and Clare might inspire the soul friendships of our own lives.
We will turn on closed captioning during the live Zoom session (which you are able to turn off in your settings if you find distracting) as well as provide a video recording with closed captioning available and a text transcript of the session.
The program will be recorded for those who pre-register but are unable to attend at the scheduled time or who want to view again. You will be sent a notification when this is ready to view.
You have lifetime access to all online programs.
Your Guides for the Journey
Christine Valters Paintner
Christine Valters Paintner is the online Abbess and director of AbbeyoftheArts.com, a virtual monastery exploring contemplative practice, creative expression, and ways to nourish an earth-cherishing consciousness. She is a spiritual director, teacher, pilgrimage guide, Benedictine oblate, and author of numerous books on spirituality and the arts. Her deepest belief is that the earth is the original monastery–a wisdom guide and mentor in living a soulful and vibrant life. Visit the “About Christine” page for more information.
Simon de Voil
Reverend Simon Ruth de Voil is an interfaith-interspiritual minister, sacred musician, spiritual counsellor, and chaplain. His sacred work—both musical and interpersonal—explores themes of the inner landscape of the soul, the enchantment of the natural world, and the healing power of spiritual practice. As a chaplain and counsellor, Simon helps individuals and groups connect sacred presence with everyday life. Simon is also a transgender activist and a luthier in training. Visit Simon’s website here>>
Registration
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$30
reduced fee
- Includes partial scholarship
- Select this only if you require financial assistance
If you are in need of additional financial assistance please fill out our Scholarship Request form.
Terms and Conditions
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