The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom

Thursday 16th - Sunday 19th April 2026

Space is available on this event!

For over ten years Revd Ian Spencer and Urs Mattmann have offered popular four day retreats based on the teachings of Fr Richard Rohr OFM and the faculty of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in different retreat centres around the UK. The retreat at Othona includes talks, time for reflection and discussion, meditations, imagination exercises, liturgy and time to relax and enjoy this beautiful place.

Ian and Urs write:

"We will draw from Rohr’s teaching and his book The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage. 

"We'd be delighted to see you, whether you’re familiar with Rohr’s ministry or completely new to his welcoming, contemplative and prophetic Christian spirituality. We will discover together what the Prophetic tradition can mean for us, looking at both the spiritual roots and the contemporary expression in our lives and world today. Do join us as we step out together on this journey."

Revd Ian Spencer is an Anglican Priest, authorised yoga teacher (Association of Yoga Studies) and Zen practitioner (Wild Goose Zen Sangha). Now retired from 14 years as Warden of Holland House, Ian now concentrates on his ministry of spiritual exploration through the Christian contemplative, Zen and Yoga traditions, leading quiet days, retreats and teaching days.

Urs Mattmann is a transpersonal Psychotherapist and Spiritual director/Lay Chaplain at Holy Rood House in North Yorkshire. He is the author of COMING IN (Wild Goose Publications) where Richard Rohr wrote the foreword. He is co-author of WILLING TO LOVE (Ed. Anne Yeamans) Psychosynthesis Press. 

Extra Accommodation

If this retreat is as popular as we expect, we will be offering alternative accommodation for some at Marian Dunlop House in Dorchester. Staying here you will breakfast with others as a mini-community and then go to Othona by car (ours or yours) to join in the rest of the day's retreat activities. See here for full detail.

We advise early booking if you'd particularly like accommodation at Othona. If you'd prefer to try Marian Dunlop House please say so in the 'Questions or Comments' section of the booking form. Prices (see below) are exactly the same as at Othona itself.

Fee Types

You are genuinely welcome to choose whichever rate suits you

(Learn more about our Pricing Policy & Bursaries)

Arrival + Departure Times

(Learn about Arrival+Departure)