The Cloister - A podcast from Monastic Retreats – Details, episodes & analysis

In the third part of our Advent series, Henry O'Shea OSB presents his talk: 'Coming to Zion Shouting for Joy.'

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In the second talk of our Advent series, Jarek Kurek OSB speaks on 'Advent of Christ: A Chance for Renewal.'

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Fr Bede from Ampleforth Abbey reflects on Pentecost. 

Are you almost ready to be inspired by the Holy Spirit to begin to renew the face of your local acre of the world?..& can “she” rely on you?
an insight into a Confirmation weekend retreat for a group of 30 young disciples preparing to receive a new name and a new relationship with the Holy Spirit..
..are you ready to be inspired by their insights?

The further resources mentioned can be accessed here. 

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In today's episode we hear from James, who at the time of recording this had just completed a monastic internship at Worth Abbey. Discover what life was like living with a community of Benedictine monks.

For More information on Monastic Internships visit 

- Worth Abbey 

- Quarr Abbey 

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Learning to Be Compassionate: A Story of Healing and Acceptance (followed by 20 mins of silent meditation)

🔔 This recording is from a recent online practice gathering. These happen every Saturday between 08:30-09:30 UK time and every Wednesday between 20:00-20:45 UK time. Sign up here to join us - it's free and everyone is welcome. www.linktr.ee/schoolofcontemplativelife

In this reflection, we explore the profound wisdom of compassion through an ancient desert story told by Thomas Merton, featuring Abbot Anastasius—a figure whose quiet grace reflects the boundless, non-judging love of God.

What happens when we stop judging ourselves and others, and begin to offer true compassion? How might our relationships—and our own inner life—change if we lived from that place of love?

Drawing on the teachings of Jesus, the radical insights of Julian of Norwich, and lived experiences from our own meditation community, we reflect on how learning to be compassionate with ourselves is the first step toward healing, growth, and loving others more deeply.

Join us for this meditative reflection on what it means to be met by God as the Good Parent—one whose love is unconditional, spacious, and always inviting us to be more fully ourselves.

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Prepare for Holy Week with the final talk of our Lent series, 'A Subversive Triumph' by Luke Macnamara OSB.

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Anne Lanigan, a PhD student at Saint Patrick's Pontifical University in Maynooth, presents a talk on 'Salvation's Unusual Contours: Jesus and the Criminals.'

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Br Pádraig McIntyre OSB from Glenstal Abbey presents a talk - "The Lost Sons" - as part of our Lent series.

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Mark Patrick Hederman OSB delivers the third talk in our Lent series.

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Fr Brendan Coffey OSB delivers the second talk in our Lent series: 'Transfiguration.'

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