On Saturday, 15th June 2024, a Diocesan Quiet Day Retreat for clergy and lay people was held at St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal. The retreat was led by Brother Tobias from the Society of Saint Francis and the theme for the day was Sharing Christ’s Peace in a conflicted world.

The morning started with light refreshments at 10.00am and from 10.30am to 1.00pm the silent retreat was led by Brother Tobias, with readings reflecting on the Peace of Christ, as well as reflective silent periods between each talk.

Everyone made use of the extraordinary building and its grounds to find places that worked for contemplative prayer and the retreat finished with a short Eucharist at 1.00pm followed by a light lunch served by members of Youghal Union of Parishes.

After the retreat there were many expressions of gratitude, with comments ranging from “Thank you for a really interesting and inspiring quiet day” to “A spiritual tonic”, among many other requests to repeat the event in the coming year.