13475 Proctor Road, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Up to 30 in group
Jan 31 - Feb 1, 2026
About this Retreat
Father Rob McChesney has been a Jesuit of the USA East Coast Province for fifty years. Now a member of the Georgetown Jesuit community in Washington, DC, he has accompanied refugees and migrants for much of his adult life, most recently in the Middle East. His private practice includes companioning military veterans, as well as survivors of sexual assault and child abuse. He is rooted in wide experience of directed retreats and spiritual direction within the Ignatian tradition. Rob is the author of
The Soul Also Keeps the Score: A Trauma-Informed Companion to the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, published by Liturgical Press.
Christine Marie Eberle is a writer, speaker, and retreat leader who passionately connects spirituality, Scripture, and everyday life. A long-time friend of Cranaleith, Christine served as Director of Campus Ministry at Gwynedd Mercy University from 2004–2019. Her third book, published in January by Paraclete Press, is entitled
Finding God Along the Way: Wisdom from the Ignatian Camino for Life at Home. (Copies will be available for purchase.) You can learn more and follow her at christine-marie-eberle.com
Details of this retreat
The American Psychological Association calls trauma “an emotional response to a terrible event.” Research indicates that about 70% of people worldwide have been exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lives: suffering injuries to body, mind, brain, and spirit. Most people are familiar with the term “posttraumatic stress disorder” (PTSD). However, the ancient Greek word for trauma means a wound—not a disorder—inflicted upon the body by an act of violence. God’s people are wounded, and those entrusted with the care of souls are called to respond.
This weekend offering is designed for the personal and professional development of spiritual and pastoral caregivers—including those in parish, educational, or healthcare settings—who are seeking to grow their trauma-informed self-awareness and skills.
Grounded in Fr. McChesney's book on mental health and Ignatian spirituality, it will:
situate Saint Ignatius in light of contemporary trauma theory;
examine the significance of "soul-healing" in Christian and Ignatian tradition; and
identify Ignatian spiritual insights and practices adapted to noticing and caring for the wounded among us, many of whom are journeying through posttraumatic growth in the wake of “moral injury trauma” or “spiritual injury trauma.”
An in-person workshop/retreat, it will include input and exercises from the facilitators, dialogue and faith sharing among participants, and time for both liturgical and personal prayer.
This retreat includes approximately 12 hours with the presenters, 4 meals and opportunities to explore our 10 acres of natural beauty. Liturgy will be offered at the end of the day on Sunday for those who wish to celebrate.
Tentative Schedule of the Days:
Saturday (1/31/26) 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
9:30 - 10:00 Light refreshments available before the program
10:00 - 12:30 Morning Session
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 5:30 Afternoon Session
5:30 - 6:30 Dinner
6:30 - 8:00 Optional Evening Session
Sunday (2/1/26) 10:00 a.m - 4 pm
8:30 - 9:45 Breakfast available
10:00 - 12:30 Morning Session
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 Afternoon Session
2:45 - 4:00 Closing Ritual / Sunday Mass
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Verified
Spirituality
Relationship & Community
Last Chance
