This is a Photography and Spirituality retreat based around the premise that the photographer’s stance is a way of slowing down and being attentive to the world (as God’s sacred text) around and God’s presence and proclamation within it. We will be using themes from the Old Testament book of Song of Songs, and Ignatian spiritual practices. There will also be an opportunity to explore poetry alongside photography. Cameras or camera phones will be useful, but not essential.

Morna is Vicar of Finedon and Assistant Vocations Officer in the Diocese of Peterborough. She has significant experience in teaching and facilitating learning, as well as leading retreats, and is currently training to be a Spiritual Director. Morna has a keen interest in Contemplative Spirituality and, having completed a research project which explored the use of photography as prayer which is missional, she has developed a number of spiritual photographical practices based around Ignatian Spirituality.

Retreat price: £495 (standard room) or £540 (character room)
EARLY BIRD RATE: £465 (standard room) or £510 (character room) if booked by 13th May 2025!
Price includes en-suite accommodation, all meals, and all retreat resources.
It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay.

Click here to book your place on this retreat now:

For any questions, or queries or if you’d like to know more, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: [email protected]

Seeing Through God’s Lens: Contemplative Photography with Morna Simpson

Revd Morna Simpson

During this retreat we’ll be concentrating on noticing where God guides and focusing in macro and out to the landscapes of what God is drawing us deeper into. We will be using photography as a starting point, and will draw on Ignatian spiritual practices to bring together the photographic stance and God’s lens enabling us to see the world in fresh and new ways.

All are welcome: those who have very little experience with cameras or camera phones, and the more competent photographer – the camera is a tool, or a window through which we seek to connect with the Divine light and find those thin places around us.

Morna Simpson has been a contemplative photographer for a number of years now, and has developed tried and tested ways of praying with photographs and photography and using the natural world as God’s sacred text. Her MA dissertation research focused on using contemplative photography as a tool for missional prayer and she continues to be passionate about using photography and spirituality in unique ways to open conversations with those who are not sure about faith and belief. Morna is currently Rector in the Yardley Hastings Benefice in the Diocese of Peterborough.

Retreat price: £425 includes en-suite accommodation, all meals, and all retreat resources.
We offer an ‘Early Bird’ price of £405 if you pay in full before 23rd August 2023.
It may be possible for you to extend your stay by leaving later.  Why not check on availability and ask for a quote when you contact us.