Facilitated by Carrie Dohe and Greg Kennedy, SJ

Bees travel far and wide in their search for food, pollinating countless species of flowering plants. This includes nearly 60 percent of our food crops and 1 of every 3 bites of food we eat. Without this work of the bees, we would have neither fruits nor vegetables nor even flowers – much too little to eat and a significant decrease in beauty. Bees of all kinds feed us on multiple levels –physical, emotional, spiritual – both the well-known honeybees and much more numerous but largely unrecognized non-honey-producing bees. In this retreat we’ll study the generosity, dedication and intelligence of bees to learn better how we, like the bees, can contribute to maintaining the web of Earthly life.

Throughout the world religions, bees have inspired and instructed observant and faithful peoples. Carrie Dohe, Ph.D., founder of the UN-awarded project “Bees for Peace” (Bees For Peace – Home) will help open up the spiritual and ecological world of bees to retreatants.

The Birds and the Bees and the Trees Retreat Series

The resurgence of Indigenous, land-based knowledge; a pandemic that has given North Americans more time and space for proximity with nature; climatic extremes that scream for greater balance between the built and natural worlds; heightening religious awareness about the sanctity of Creation: these and other contemporary realities urge us to get to know our neighbours in new and deeper ways. In this weekend-retreat series, we will spend spiritual, scientific and experiential time with our kin-creatures. Through presentations, guided walks, creative activities, personal reflection and conversation, we’ll better befriend our relatives. The series will also include input from artists, activists and other lovers of Earth.

Individual Spiritual direction will not be offered.

Loyola House

Renovations to the accommodation wing include new flooring and countertops and freshly painted walls. We created 20 ensuites and the shared washrooms have been upgraded.

Prices:

• $299 – Ensuite Room – private single bedroom with 3-piece washroom, desk and chair
• $275 – Standard Room – private single bedroom with sink, desk and chair
• $170 – Commuter