Contemplative Creativity & Human Flourishing
Exploring the mystical wisdom of St. John of the Cross for our times
10–11 July 2026
Carmelite Priory, Boars Hill, Oxford & Online
Celebrating St. John of the Cross
Doctor of the Church & Mystical Poet
Canonisation
Doctor of the Church
In a world seeking meaning and depth, the mystical wisdom of St. John of the Cross offers a profound path to transformation. Join us at the 2026 Spirituality Summit in Oxford or online as we celebrate the 300th Anniversary of his Canonisation and 100th Anniversary as Doctor of the Church. Through keynote addresses, workshops, conversations, and shared silence, discover how contemplative creativity can lead to authentic human flourishing.
Meet Our Presenters
World-renowned scholars and spiritual guides sharing their wisdom on John of the Cross
Anders Cardinal Arborelius, OCD
Keynote SpeakerCardinal of Stockholm, bringing profound insights on John of the Cross’s relevance today
Prof Peter Tyler
Keynote SpeakerLeading scholar on Christian mysticism and contemplative spirituality
Dr Susan Muto
Keynote SpeakerExecutive Director, Epiphany Association; renowned formative spirituality teacher
Dr Ed Howells
Session PresenterExpert on Carmelite spirituality and mystical theology
Fr Matt Blake, OCD
Session PresenterDiscalced Carmelite friar and spiritual director
Fr Iain Matthew
Session PresenterAuthor and expert on John of the Cross’s spiritual teachings
Dr Joanne Mosley
Session PresenterSpecialist in Carmelite spirituality and mystical writers
John Dalla Costa
Session PresenterAuthor and consultant at the intersection of faith and contemporary life
Fr Mark Foley
Session PresenterCarmelite priest and spiritual guide
Dr Cyprian Blamires, OCDS
Session PresenterHistorian, writer, and Secular Carmelite leader
Heather Ward
Workshop LeaderAuthor and formator with the Secular Carmelites
Stephen Costello
Workshop LeaderPhilosopher and logotherapy practitioner
Mark Murphy
Workshop LeaderSpiritual director and retreat facilitator
Two Days of Transformation
A rich programme of keynotes, sessions, workshops, and contemplative moments
Friday 10th July 2026
Opening Day — Foundations of Contemplative Creativity
Registration
Welcome and check-in
Opening Session
Welcome and introduction to the Summit
Keynote Session
Prof Peter Tyler
Session Presentation
Fr Matt Blake, OCD
Break
Tea served to save time
Keynote Session
Dr Susan Muto
Session Presentation
Dr Ed Howells
Plenary
Questions and discussion
Shared Silence
Contemplative moment together
Dinner
Evening meal
Concert
Evening musical celebration
Saturday 11th July 2026
Day Two — Deepening Understanding & Practical Application
Opening Session
Welcome to Day Two
Keynote Session
Anders Cardinal Arborelius, OCD
Break
Conversation Session
A Conversation between Authors on John of the Cross
Susan Muto, Ed Howells, Peter Tyler & Heather Ward
Break
Session Presentation
Dr Joanne Mosley
Session Presentation
Fr Iain Matthew
Lunch / Break / Expo
Time to refresh, explore, and connect
Session Presentation
John Dalla Costa
Workshops
Choose from: Heather Ward, Stephen Costello, Mark Murphy, Susan Muto
Break
Session Presentation
Fr Mark Foley
Session Presentation
Dr Cyprian Blamires, OCDS
Break
Panel Discussion
Bringing together insights from the Summit
Shared Silence
Contemplative closing moment
Departure
Summit concludes
Saturday Evening — Music Festival
An Evening of Reflection, Festive Dinner & Musical Performance
Summit Concludes
Departure for day guests / Time to freshen up
Doors Open
Welcome drinks and gathering
Festive Dinner
Celebratory meal together
Interval
Brief pause before the evening performance
Evening of Reflection & Music
Featuring Angel Anyamele — Vocalist, Songwriter & Worship Leader
Evening Concludes
Close of the 2026 Spirituality Summit
Workshops
Deepen your understanding through hands-on exploration
Heather Ward
Exploring the poetry and spirituality of John of the Cross
Stephen Costello
Logotherapy and the dark night of the soul
Mark Murphy
Contemplative practices for daily life
Susan Muto
Formative spirituality and John of the Cross
A Conversation Between Authors
Four distinguished scholars discuss John of the Cross and his enduring legacy
Susan Muto
Ed Howells
Peter Tyler
Heather Ward
Angel Anyamele
Vocalist · Songwriter · Worship Leader
Angel Anyamele is a vocalist, songwriter, and worship leader based in Liverpool, UK. With a deep passion for facilitating encounter with God through her soulful singing, Angel shares her heart for worship locally, nationally, and on international platforms. She continues to lead worship at various events across the UK, particularly as part of the One Hope Project, Youth 2000 music ministry, and The Mark 10 Mission.
As a jazz vocalist, Angel is a rising star in the Leeds and Liverpool jazz scene. Her warm tone and soulful sound are influenced by the likes of Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Samara Joy. Her repertoire includes understated yet powerful renditions of jazz standards, and she has graced stages including The Domino Club and Seven Artspace in Leeds.
Aside from her music career, Angel studied medicine at the University of Leeds and enjoys her work as a doctor in the NHS.
Register for the Summit
Secure your place at this transformative gathering
Day One Online
Friday 10th July
£45
- Full access to Day One sessions
- Live stream of all keynotes
- Interactive Q&A participation
- Recording access for 30 days
Both Days Online
Friday & Saturday
£65 Best Value
- Full access to both days
- All keynotes and sessions
- Workshop participation
- Extended recording access
- Digital resource pack
Day Two Online
Saturday 11th July
£45
- Full access to Day Two sessions
- Cardinal Arborelius keynote
- Authors’ Conversation panel
- Recording access for 30 days
In-person attendance: Please contact admin@carmelite.org.uk for residential and in-person options.
Carmelite Priory
Boars Hill, Oxford
The Venue
Set in the peaceful surroundings of Boars Hill, the Carmelite Priory offers an ideal environment for contemplation, learning, and spiritual renewal.
Join us in person to experience the full richness of the Summit, including fellowship meals, the evening concert, and the opportunity to connect with fellow seekers.
Oxford OX1 5HB
United Kingdom
Transport: A shuttle service will be available from Oxford Parkway train station on the first day. Contact us to book your ride.