The Benedicta Institute for Women will hold a Women's Immersive Course at St. Bernard Abbey Retreat and Conference Center from Monday, Oct. 14, to Sunday, Oct. 20.

The immersive course is "Dignity to Dust: Contemplating our Humanity." The instructor will be Donald Wallenfang, O.C.D.S., Ph.D., a Secular Discalced Carmelite, professor of theology and philosophy at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, and academic advisor for the Benedicta Institute for Women. Johnnette Williams, founder and president of Women of Grace, will be attending the course.  

According to the timeless ancient axiom, agere sequitur esse (doing follows being). In order to know how to act, we first must know who we are. This course asks the question, “Who is the human being?” By exploring the enlightening lives and writings of Caryll Houselander and St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross, women will encounter the truth, goodness, and beauty of the meaning of being human.  

The student's week stay at the abbey, will offer daily morning and evening prayer, Mass, community prayer of the Rosary, two morning lectures, and two afternoon lectures. Three meals per day will be provided, in addition to an evening social to get to know each other. On Friday, participants will get to enjoy a special visit to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville.

For more information or to register, please visit https://benedictainstitute.com/upcoming-courses/.

St. Bernard Abbey Retreat and Conference Center is located at 1600 St. Bernard Drive, Southeast in Cullman.