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Sacred Earth Sacred Soul: Retreat with John Philip Newell and Cami Twilling
May 13-15, 2025 at the Virginia Mae Center


Join renowned Celtic teacher and author of spirituality John Philip Newell and his colleague Cami Twilling for an intimate three-day retreat at the Virginia Mae Center. Nestled within the hallowed grounds of Washington National Cathedral, Newell’s wisdom teaching and Twilling’s spiritual practice will call 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. The 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).

About the Retreat:

Presented by the Cathedral College of Faith & Culture, this three-day retreat will be held in-person at Washington National Cathedral. Check-in begins at 4pm on May 13th. Activities begin at 7pm on May 13th and conclude at 12pm on May 15th. Limited onsite overnight accommodation is available in the Virginia Mae Center, but not required for retreat participation.

The $450 retreat fee includes in-person programming and access to the Cathedral, Virginia Mae Center and grounds for the duration of the program.

Tuesday, May 13th
Check-in begins at 4 pm
Evening Discussion with Reception and Book Signing

Wednesday, May 14th
Morning Session
Evening Session
Breakfast and Lunch

Thursday, May 15th
Morning Session
Breakfast
Concludes at 12 pm

To register for the retreat only, without overnight accommodation, click here.

About the Virginia Mae Center:
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. Learn more about the Virginia Mae Center here.

Newly renovated, serene guest rooms feature Cathedral artwork, restored furniture, picturesque views and volumes from the Cathedral archives for your reading pleasure. Rooms start at $200/night. All guest rooms feature:

* Bathrooms with glass showers, marble countertops and tile floors
* Premium bedding, bath towels, and bath amenities
* Computer side table
* Wardrobe and luggage rack
* In room temperature and lighting controls
* Complimentary Wi-Fi

Residential Room Rates
Standard Guest Room, 1 Full Bed: $400 ($200/night)

Standard Guest Room, 2 Full Beds: $400 ($200/night)

Loft Room: $450 ($225/night)
* Wrought iron spiral staircase leads to a loft bedroom with full sized bed* Entry level features sleeper sofa with full-size pull-out bed and renovated bathrooms

Premium Guest Room: $450 ($225/night)
* One full bed
* Sleeper sofa with twin-size pull-out bed

Suite: $600 ($300/night)
* Living room with armchairs, coffee table, full pull-out bed sleeper sofa
* Separate bedroom with full bed
* Full work desk and chair