Retreat housing includes 76 private bedrooms with common bath facilities.

In addition to an auditorium that seats 250, there are several lounges and meeting rooms available for groups of 2 to 72. Siena Center has elevator access to all floors and is accessible to people with moderate physical limitations.

2008 July Retreats

Sacred Windows to the Divine: Icon Writing Retreat/Workshop
Icon: Christ the True Vine

Dates: Sunday, July 6 (7:00 pm) to Saturday, July 12 (noon), 2008
Investment: $570 includes retreat, bedroom and meals.
Commuters: $450 includes retreat and meals.
$100 non-refundable registration fee to reserve a place.

Limited to 20 participants for each workshop.
Directed by Master Iconographer Philip Zimmerman

Christ the True Vine will be the focus of the July workshop. Icons will be written from start to finish, guided in a step-by-step gradual process by Phil Zimmerman, ending with a completed icon, varnished and ready to display. All materials and supplies are included. Artists and non-artists can enter into this process, expressing through the icon the mystery of the image portrayed. We begin each day by meditating and praying with icons. Phil will supplement these sessions with information about the history of Byzantine and Russian iconography. There will be a rhythm of silence and conversation during the painting sessions. Each day, participants will be gifted with live harp music played by Sister Malinda Gerke.

Icon Writing Directors

Phil Zimmerman from New Florence, Pennsylvania, has written numerous icons and has taught over 1000 students in the technique and art of iconography. He has completed numerous commissions for icons, small and large. His goal is to give participants in the workshop confidence in their ability to write an icon, to make it an enjoyable experience and to impart the knowledge, discipline and skills needed for this sacred work. He is known for his pleasant and affirming manner as he interacts with his students. He owns and administers his own St. John of Damascus Icon Studio. Joan Weisenbeck, FSPA is on staff at the Franciscan Spirituality Center and is the hostess for the retreat/workshop. She leads the meditations and prayer with icons during the workshop.

2008 July Retreats

Grafted Into Christ: The Reign of God as our Inheritance

Dates: Monday, July 28 (7:00 pm) – Saturday, August 2 (noon), 2008
Investment: $355 includes retreat, bedroom and meals.
Commuters: $195 includes retreat and meals.

Director: Anne Amati, OSF

This scripturally-based silent retreat will include reflections, symbols, and poetry on the Parable of the vine and the branches from John 15. Images of the Reign of God and vine imagery in other places in Scripture will also be explored. We will ponder the meaning of Jesus’ statement, “Remain in my love” and invite ourselves to name the ways that intimacy with God is active in our lives. Where are we on the Vine, how we stay connected with the Divine Gardener and who are people that have modeled for us this profound image in their lives will also be themes that we will consider during this retreat.

Retreat Director Anne Amati osf

Anne Amati, osf, is a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia. Anne’s enthusiasm, practical insights, humor and deep appreciation of Franciscan life have taken her to religious institutions as a retreat director and workshop presenter. Since 1989, Sister Anne has been a staff member of the Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs leading, facilitating, lecturing and celebrating with groups of pilgrims as they visit the sacred sites of Saints Francis and Clare in Italy. Anne's background is that of an educator, parish associate, congregational leader, musician, and leader of song. Presently, Anne is an associate staff member of the Franciscan Spiritual Center in Aston, Pennsylvania.

2008 July Retreats

Grief: The Spirituality of Tears

July 18 – 19, 2008
Investment: $95 Limited bedrooms avaiable at $33/night.

Presenter: Janet Mallak, SSND

When I am moved to tears I…. This sentence seeks completion. Tears reach into the center of our soul and beg for a response. We search for meaning and the best of life, as the order of life seems to vanish. What begins to emerge as necessary are the simple essential things; goodness, truth and beauty. Through ritual, conversation and prayer we will explore the journey of grief, the experience of dry and wet tears and the heart of graceful passages.

Facilitators: Cecy Corcoran and Phyllis Cleary

A program for children who resonate with Presence; for typical kids who could find God in a flower, a song or walk in the woods. Because we are aware of Spirit alive and well in our youngsters, and because we want to learn from them, the Christine Center opens its doors to you. Beloved Child is an intergenerational retreat in which we welcome our inner child and walk with children into timeless wisdom, spontaneous delight and creative stillness.

Tuition: $150 per adult ($50 for children under 15) plus lodging and meals. Ask about family rates.

Facilitator: Karen Howland

Explore Native American writer, Joy Harjo, who whispers "secrets from the center of the world." Reconnect with your own journey through words. Together we'll listen with our "soul to the ground" and discover the beat of our heart in words. How do words heal, reveal beauty and truth in the world? Celebrate repetition, assonance, alliteration, and other writing tools that help us "write fire."

Tuition: $150