“Creation with Clay” was the theme for the recent Seasons of the Spirit retreat held at Mount St. Benedict Monastery. Under the direction of Sister Carolyn Gorny-Kopkowski, OSB, the retreatants had the opportunity to become immersed in this theme through presentations, meditation, prayer, creative experience, solitude and sharing.

Among the high points of the weekend was the opportunity to experience the treasured works of Brother Thomas Bezanson, internationally known potter who died in 2007. Brother Thomas was a ceramic artist and a master of complex glazes. He was artist in resident at Mount St. Benedict Monastery for 22 years.

Another enriching moment was a creative activity where the retreatants had the opportunity to work with clay and deepen their understanding of the wonder of humanity. As Brother Thomas was known for saying, “In art, all that is present in the physical product [clay], its shape, its feel, its color, its harmony, must somehow be a doorway beyond those sensory things themselves. For you see, it is the function of art to open the human heart to those experiences which have the deepest meaning to the human spirit: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Unity.”

Click here or on the Smilebox arrow to view a scrapbook that captures some of the retreat's highlights.

Next Seasons of the Spirit Retreat: September 7-9 --- "Color, Touch, and More"