Join renowned Celtic teacher and author of spirituality John Philip Newell and his colleague Cami Twilling for an intimate three-day retreat at Washington National Cathedral’s newly-renovated Virginia Mae Center. Within the sacred, tranquil grounds of the Cathedral, participants will experience Newell’s wisdom teaching and Twilling’s spiritual practices, calling us to be aware of the sacredness of Earth and every human being as key to the way of transformation and healing in our lives and world.

About the Retreat

Presented by the Cathedral College of Faith & Culture, this in-person retreat focuses on the main themes of John Philip’s award-winning book, Sacred Earth Sacred Soul: Celtic Wisdom for Reawakening to What Our Souls Know and Healing the World (HarperOne).

Tuesday, May 13
  • Check-in begins at 4 pm
  • Evening book talk by John Philip Newell
  • Reception and book signing
Wednesday, May 14
  • Breakfast
  • Morning session with teaching and spiritual practice
  • Lunch
  • Informal dialogue with John Philip and Cami, including an opportunity for questions and conversation
Thursday, May 15
  • Breakfast
  • Morning session with teaching and spiritual practice
  • Retreat concludes at noon
Optional Overnight Accommodation

Looking to stay overnight? Limited onsite overnight accommodation is available in the Virginia Mae Center, but not required for retreat participation. Cost varies by room type. Options and details are available on the registration page below.

Register Now

About the Retreat Leaders

John Philip Newell is a ‘wandering teacher’ from Scotland in the ancient Celtic Christian tradition, drawing on both the poetic and the intellectual, and addressing the head as well as the heart. Cami Twilling is the director of Earth & Soul, a Celtic initiative of study, spiritual practice, and compassionate action based in Colorado. Their much-loved combination of teaching and spiritual practice offers great hope for healing and transformation in our lives, both individually and together.

About the Virginia Mae Center and Residential Accommodations

Centrally located within the tranquility of the Cathedral grounds, the Virginia Mae Center is a place of learning, pilgrimage and spiritual renewal, a safe venue for difficult conversations, and a healing space for all who enter its doors. This 30,000 square-foot facility features stunning Gothic architecture and offers meeting and conference spaces, an intimate chapel, dining facility, an enclosed garden courtyard and overnight accommodation for up to 23 guests. Learn more about the Virginia Mae Center →