Sisters of Providence to host ‘Mystics – A Journey of Discovery’

Plan on joining the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, in person or virtually for the first of the four-part series “Mystics – A Journey of Discovery.”

The first workshop will take place from 1:30-3:30 p.m., on Sunday, September 18, in the Foley Room at Providence Spirituality & Conference, and will focus on Hafiz (1325-1390), a Persian poet and Sufi mystic.

Sister Paula Damiano, SP, will be one of the facilitators for this upcoming series, adding that those who attend the September workshop will enjoy learning more about Hafiz.

“You will learn about this 14th Century Persian spiritual poet and mystic whose writings are filled with mystical images,” Sister Paula said.

Other workshops are planned for November 6, as well as January 29, 2023, and March 19, 2023. The final three sessions will examine Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), a Carmelite nun and Spanish mystic, and Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591), a Spanish Carmelite friar and mystic (November 6); Herman Hesse (1877-1962), a German-Swiss poet, novelist and painter (January 29); and Saint Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373), a wife, mother, nun and mystic (March 19).

Sister Paula Damiano said it is important to learn more about mystics from a religious point of view.

“There are many different ways in which a mystic is identified,” Sister Paula said. “Simply put, a mystic is someone who has an experience of union with The Divine.

“To the Persians, Hafiz is extremely important. Many memorize his proverbs and sayings. I believe that learning about mystics from varying cultures and faiths can only serve to broaden and enhance our relationship with God, the Holy One.”

Cost to attend is $25 per session, which includes all materials and refreshments. The registration deadline is September 15.

Register for all or an individual session of the series online here or by calling 812-535-2952 or emailing provctr@spsmw.org.