It was a few years ago when I was first informed about St Beuno’s from a wonderful friend who was supporting me whilst going through a difficult time in my personal life. My journey of faith had begun and my relationship with God was becoming more and more important to me as I struggled to cope with a myriad of emotions and trials, as my friend often sat with me in my darkness. I remember one day telling her that I was yearning to feel closer to God, which is when she spoke about St Beuno’s and suggested that I consider going for a weekend. Me on a silent retreat? Not something I’d ever considered and if I’m honest, it felt very daunting. But she spoke so highly of the place and how healing it had been for her, with trepidation and immense nervousness, I decided to book my first individually guided weekend retreat.
From the moment I arrived, the love and care that Beuno’s exudes was evident. God was at work and was speaking to me as I prayed and walked the grounds, feeling for the first time in a very long time that I was not alone. It really felt as though I was enveloped in God’s love and the depth of our relationship was more intense than ever. God really was listening in the silence.
As someone who’d never received spiritual guidance before I was anxious about the process but was once again treated with love and care and was free to speak about my faith openly and also to ask questions without judgement.
I have returned to St Beuno’s on several occasions since that first visit and it really does feel like coming home to a spiritual hug from God on every occasion. It’s one of the few places I feel safe, but the place where I truly feel God’s presence as he walks beside me - whether that be in the labyrinth, in the gardens, as I sit quietly for hours on occasions in Capel y Coed or even just walking the corridors of this wonderful house. I know I’m not alone there.
I am so grateful to my friend for sharing the gift of St Beuno’s with me – I just wish I’d known about it sooner. But as my journey of faith deepens and God is ever present in my life, St Beuno’s will continue to be my sanctuary and a place I will return to often. It really is a very special place.
Thanks be to God for the truly wonderful St Beuno’s.