11/06/2026
Such lovely feedback ...
"Thank you for providing such a peaceful and welcoming place of retreat. From the moment I arrived, I felt at home. Jo's warm hospitality throughout the weekend was greatly appreciated and contributed to a sense of being cared for without ever feeling intruded upon.
One of the unexpected gifts of my stay came while reading Thomas Merton's New Seeds of Contemplation. I opened the book to a chapter entitled "Solitude Is Not Separation." Those words seemed to capture perfectly my experience of the retreat. Although I spent much of the weekend in silence alongside a group on silent retreat, I never felt isolated. Rather, I experienced a deeper sense of connection—with God, with myself, and with those sharing the same space.
I was particularly grateful for the atmosphere of stillness throughout the house and grounds. The chapel, the gardens, and the rhythm of the place all seemed to invite listening rather than doing.
Thank you for the ministry of hospitality you offer. It was a blessing to spend time there, and I hope to return again." - TGO
