Autumn Retreat | A contemplative journey with Thomas Merton in word and image: Day Delegate
George Bell House, 4 Canon Lane, Chichester, Chichester, PO19 1PX
Monday 16th November 2026 9:30AM
In this autumn retreat at George Bell House, largely spent in silence, we invite participants to step out of the intensity of their life and to come on a contemplative journey with Thomas Merton using the bible, his writings and his photography as our guide.
Please note that day attendance includes both Monday 16th and the morning of Tuesday 17th November.
This retreat will include an introduction to the life of Merton and his writings, how Merton used photography as a tool for contemplation, as well as time to explore a small collection of his photographs as an aid to contemplation.
Weather permitting there will also be the opportunity to spend some time in the Bishop’s Place Gardens on a contemplative walk using your camera or mobile phone if you wish.
The retreat will be guided by Earl Collins, the Canon Chancellor and John Workman, an art history postgraduate researcher and member of the Cathedral congregation.
There are opportunities for individual spiritual conversation with Earl Collins alongside the sessions.
Please note that day attendance includes both Monday 16th and the morning of Tuesday 17th November.
This retreat will include an introduction to the life of Merton and his writings, how Merton used photography as a tool for contemplation, as well as time to explore a small collection of his photographs as an aid to contemplation.
Weather permitting there will also be the opportunity to spend some time in the Bishop’s Place Gardens on a contemplative walk using your camera or mobile phone if you wish.
The retreat will be guided by Earl Collins, the Canon Chancellor and John Workman, an art history postgraduate researcher and member of the Cathedral congregation.
There are opportunities for individual spiritual conversation with Earl Collins alongside the sessions.
Event Details
From Mon 16 Nov 2026, 9:30AM to Tue 17 Nov 2026, 1:00PM