8 DAY
Retreat Pilgrimage with St John of the Cross in Dialogue
17th – 24th April 2027
Led by Carmelite Friars, Oxford
All Creation Sings: One Flame, Many Voices
One flame burns through every voice. One living fire- the love that wounds creation into song.
All creation sings — but not all at once, and not always in the same key. Saint John of the Cross heard it in the mountains, the wooded valleys, the resounding rivers. Francis of Assisi heard it through Brother Sun and Sister Death. Padre Pio heard it in the silence of the stigmata. Margaret Redi of Florence heard it as the fire of the Sacred Heart. Benedict heard it in the ordered rhythm of prayer and work. Mary heard it in the voice of an angel, and said yes.
This pilgrimage is built around a single conviction: that the flame John of the Cross described in his Living Flame of Love is not his alone. It is the same flame that burned in every saint we encounter — expressed in different idioms, in different centuries, in different wounds and different joys, but burning with the same consuming fire. One Flame, Many Voices. At each sacred site, John enters into dialogue with a companion who knows what he is singing about — and together they illuminate a dimension of the mystical life that neither could fully articulate alone.
What is Included
- Return flights from London Heathrow to Rome Fiumicino
- 6 nights accommodation at the Teresianum, Rome
- overnight accommodation at Centro di Spiritualità Padre Pio
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Air-conditioned private coach throughout
- Pilgrim kit — journal, pilgrim guide
- All entrance fees and professional guiding
- Papal Audience tickets (subject to Vatican availability)
- Gratuities
Not Included
- Lunches (free time to explore local restaurants)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Single room supplement
- Personal travel expenses and souvenirs
- Flights for those joining from outside the UK
Pilgrimage information
You will be accompanied throughout by Carmelite friars leading the pilgrimage. All travel is by air-conditioned private coach. Days usually begin at 8:00am and generally return to the Teresianum by 7:00–8:00pm, with dinner served afterwards. Each day features morning and afternoon sessions with prayer times, and an organised lunch stop to break up the day.
The pilgrimage is suitable for adults of all fitness levels. Some sites involve walking on uneven surfaces; please inform the administrator of any mobility requirements.
Airline
British Airways or ITA Airways flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Rome Fiumicino (FCO). When flights are booked we include a 23 kg baggage allowance and allocated seat. For confirmed flight times please contact the administrator: pilgrimage@carmelite.org.uk.
Flights Inclusive
This option allows you to join the group on the booked flight from London Heathrow to Rome. Each person is advised to arrive at the airport three hours prior to departure. Baggage allowance: 23 kg.
Flights Exclusive
Those joining from other countries may arrange their own flights to Rome Fiumicino. Prior arrangement must be made to align arrival time with the group coach departure. Please contact us: pilgrimage@carmelite.org.uk.
Accommodation
Our residence throughout is the Teresianum on the Janiculum Hill, Rome. All overnight stays are at the Teresianum, giving the pilgrimage a stable, contemplative base from which to journey out and return each day.
Single Occupancy
Single occupancy offers accommodation for one person in a room. A supplement applies — please see pricing below.
Double Occupancy
Double occupancy is open to couples, family members, and friends who wish to share a room with twin beds. Individuals wishing to share with another pilgrim should contact us to check availability: pilgrimage@carmelite.org.uk.
Passports & Visas
A valid passport is required. UK and EU/EEA citizens do not require a visa for Italy. Pilgrims travelling on other passports should check entry requirements with the Italian Embassy in their country of residence well in advance of travel.
Dates and How to book
| Our programme | Leaders | Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Creation Sings: One Flame, Many Voices 8-Day Retreat Pilgrimage with St John of the Cross · Rome · Assisi · Loreto, Monte Cassino, Florence , Pietrelcina. | Fr Liam Finnerty, OCD | 17th – 24th April 2027 | Download poster |
| | Fr Kelvin Ekhoegbe OCD | | BOOK NOW – See options below |
| | | ||
| Make an enquiry |
How to Book:
1. Click on the “Purchase Now” button and pay £150 non-refundable deposit to secure your participation.
2. Flexible payment available, however, final balance to be paid by February 1st 2027. Contact us for details.
3. You can choose to pay the full payment.
Retreat Pilgrimage with St John of the Cross (Excluding Flights)
£150 – non-refundable deposit (part of the total amount)
£1,205 (double occupancy)
£1,310 (single occupancy)
Retreat Pilgrimage with St John of the Cross
(Including Flights)
£150 – Non-refundable deposit (part of the total Amount)
£1,385 – (Double Occupancy)
£1,495 – (Single Occupancy)