RETREATS
A SAINT FOR ALL SEASONS
July 31st– August 2nd, 2026
St Mary’s Convent, Wantage, Oxon, OX12 9AU
“Why you? Why does the world run after you? … You’re not a handsome man. You’re not a learned man. You’re not a nobleman. So why is everybody after you?” That was the question asked of Francis of Assisi as his fame spread and community grew. And his response? He simply quoted from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians that it was because God ‘chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise and the weak things of the world to shame the strong.’ (1:27)
October 3rd, 2026 marks the 800th Anniversary of his Transitus – his death – and interest in il Poverello, this ‘little poor man’, is still strong. At a time when those in positions of power attempt to manipulate us, and the church can appear to have lost its way, many are searching for deeper meaning. Into this Francis’s desire to be conformed to Christ, his love of prayer, care for the vulnerable and marginalized, and understanding that we’re connected as one family offer valuable lessons. These themes will appear in the new book on Francis, A SAINT FOR ALL SEASONS, themes this silent Retreat will utilise as we look to him who bore the marks of Christ’s crucifixion, and saw him in the Bless’d Sacrament and all creation.
‘Dear brothers and sisters, may the example and spiritual legacy of this Saint, strong in faith, steadfast in hope and ardent in active charity towards his neighbour, inspire in everyone the importance of trusting in the Lord, of living a life faithful to the Gospel, and of accepting and illuminating every circumstance and action of life with faith and prayer.’
(Pope Leo XIV, Letter to all Franciscans, January 2026)