Three Beguine Mystics
with LJ Milone
In the Middle Ages, women had few options for living: wife or nun.
The beguines emerged as a third way: women who gathered for
prayer, a common life, and active charity but without direct
supervision by any priest or husband. They cultivated mystical
practices and outreach to the poor, the sick, and the elderly.
The Beguine movement produced many mystics, that is, women
dedicated to God alone and, therefore, to deep prayer and fruitful
love.
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Hadewijch of Antwerp
Jan. 27, 2026
SUFISM: the Hidden Treasure
with Lynn Bauman
Oct. 24-25, 2025
In this seminar, Lynn Bauman led us in the exploration of Christian and Islamic
roots, and the common language and spirituality that we share as brothers and sisters of
the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). Jesus was a Middle Easterner and his teachings flowed East as well as West. Oriental forms of Christianity and the spiritual
flowering of Islam—Sufism—shared a common language and often the same vision.
Friday night's session
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Saturday morning's session
Being Christian Buddhistly
with Dr. James Farwell
Sept. 23, 2025
Dr. James Farwell is Professor of Theology and Liturgy at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA. Thirty-seven years ago he was ordained an Episcopal Priest. Thirteen years ago he received the Buddhist Precepts and became a dual practitioner of both Christianity and Buddhism. Dr. Farwell shares his story and insights from his experience. He shares his initial encounters with Dogen’s Zen and his pursuit of Buddhism to Japan. He discusses the challenges of being a seminary professor and a dual practitioner and the gifts that it brings to his faith.