The 2025 Parish Retreat

Llangasty Retreat House, Fri 23rd to Sun 25th May 2025

'Praying the Eucharist: On the Road to Emmaus' 

Led by The Reverend Canon, Nicola Stanley, Associate Priest at All Saints, Clifton

Once again our parish retreat was held at Llangasty Retreat House, beautifully set by the shores of Llangorse Lake in mid Wales. We were delighted to welcome our very own Mthr Nicola Stanley as our retreat conductor, leading us through the theme “Praying the Eucharist”.

Most of us travelled by car, with one of our group bravely arrived on foot after walking the last stretch from Bwlch! On arrival we settled into our rooms and were warmly greeted by Janet, who runs the house. With the cook off sick, Janet generously took on the catering as well – and we can happily report that the food was excellent!

 

The retreat was centred on the daily Offices, the daily Mass, and five thoughtful addresses. 

Mthr Nicola structured her addresses around the Gospel story of the Road to Emmaus, exploring the stages of the Eucharist through that lens:

• The Gathering Rite, reflecting on companionship in times of confusion and loneliness.
• The Liturgy of the Word, reminding us to engage heart, mind and lips with the Gospel.
• The Sacrament, drawing out the mystery of bread and wine becoming Christ’s presence among us.
• An Ignatian reflection on the Emmaus story, helping us to enter prayerfully into the disciples’ encounter with the risen Christ.
• The Dismissal, where we are sent out with God’s blessing to love and serve the Lord in the world.

Throughout, Mthr Nicola deepened our understanding of the Mass, helping us to reflect on the meaning of words and actions that can so easily become routine. Saturday’s Silent Mass was a particularly moving experience for many of us, offering a new way to enter into the mystery of the Eucharist.

There was also time for rest and renewal – reading, walking, savouring the peace of the countryside, and generally enjoying each other’s company – all within the tranquillity of the retreat house, tucked away at the end of winding country lanes. One intrepid retreatant braving the waters of Llangorse Lake for a bit of wild swimming!

On Sunday, after our final Mass, we shared a joyful lunch before heading home – refreshed, challenged, and renewed in faith.

  

We are most grateful to Mthr Nicola for her guidance and wisdom, which gave us so much to reflect on and carry back into our daily worship and lives.

Report by Liz Badman, with thanks to Mthr Nicola’s notes.