5.0
Verified
Great gathering
It was wonderful being together
Silent Overnight Retreat
Silent Overnight Retreat
5.008 reviews
13475 Proctor Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19116, USA
Up to 10 in group
Oct 23 - 24, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- Lodging for 1 night
- 3 meals on Saturday
- 2 sessions of spiritual direction
About this Retreat
Margie Winters loves to accompany others on their spiritual journeys, finding joy in helping others see God’s presence and Mercy in their lives. She brings with her experience in pastoral ministry, faith formation of adults and children, campus ministry, music ministry and spiritual direction. For many years, Margie taught in Mercy elementary and secondary education, inviting students and teachers to experience God in themselves and one another and with those on the margins. Her own journey was touched deeply by her time as a lay missionary serving the community of San Antonio de Padua in the Dominican Republic and by her work at Project HOME where the stories of those experiencing homelessness deepened her compassion and taught her the power of creating communal spaces of mercy and love. At Cranaleith, Margie will serve as Director of Programs, facilitating retreats, working with community partners and offering spiritual accompaniment. She is overjoyed to return home to Mercy!
Margie holds a Masters in Divinity from Weston Jesuit School of Theology, a certificate in spiritual direction from Cranaleith Spiritual Center, and degrees in nursing and English.
John was a teacher (Religion, Latin, Psychology, English) at Holy Ghost Prep in Bensalem for forty-five years, during part of which, he chaired the religion department. At present, he is involved in his parish as a cantor, a member of the RCIA team and a member of the Faith Formation Committee. As such he leads Bible studies and facilitates parent groups for those whose children are preparing for Reconciliation and Eucharist. John also serves on the Board of Limited Jurisdiction for Our Lady of Grace School. For fifteen years he was also a counselor/therapist at Merakey Behavioral Health, retiring from there in October of 2022.
He is a lifelong Philadelphian. John grew up in St. Matthew’s parish, attended Holy Ghost Prep (class of 1964) in Bensalem and holds a BA in classics from Duquesne University (1969). He earned an MA in religious studies (Scripture concentration) from the Religious Studies Division of St. Charles Seminary (1980), and an MA in counseling psychology from LaSalle University (1997).
John has also completed the Spiritual Direction Formation Program at Cranaleith Spiritual Center (2017) and has been practicing spiritual direction since. John shares the following reflection about this ministry:
The opportunity to be a spiritual director has been one of the great blessings in my life. It is such a privilege to walk with someone on his or her way to discovering a deeper relationship with God. There are many twists and turns on that path, and the opportunity to walk with someone on that journey and to observe the growth of that person’s relationship with the Lord always reminds me of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. It is an endless source of joy and enlightenment for me as much as for them. We do not travel alone. We travel with the Lord. This is a gift for which I thank the Lord every day.
The other blessing for which John thanks the Lord every day is his wife of fifty-one years, Arlene, and their family of four sons, four daughters-in-law and five grandchildren. Needless to say, they are all beautiful, handsome and brilliant.
“I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.”
Psalm 73
Details of this retreat
There is a wisdom that can only be heard in silence.
Beneath the constant movement of daily life, beneath the endless responsibilities and conversations, God continues to wait for us—not with urgency, but with quiet invitation. This overnight silent directed retreat is an opportunity to step away from the noise and into the spaciousness of God's presence.
Over the course of twenty-four hours, allow your soul to breathe. Walk the gardens. Rest. Pray. Listen. Release the need to accomplish and simply receive the gift of being held in divine love. In the silence, you may discover that what seemed distant has been quietly waiting within you all along.
The retreat begins Friday at 7 p.m. with a communal prayer service, followed by a one-on-one conversation with an experienced spiritual director who will accompany you as you enter this sacred time. The remainder of the retreat unfolds in silence, creating space for prayer, reflection, and deep listening.
Breakfast and lunch on Saturday are shared in silence, honoring the contemplative rhythm of the retreat. Dinner offers a gentle return to community with conversation among fellow retreatants before gathering one final time in prayer.
Limited to just 10 participants, this intimate retreat offers the gift of unhurried time, compassionate spiritual companionship, and the grace to listen for the still, small voice that is always calling you home.
Beneath the constant movement of daily life, beneath the endless responsibilities and conversations, God continues to wait for us—not with urgency, but with quiet invitation. This overnight silent directed retreat is an opportunity to step away from the noise and into the spaciousness of God's presence.
Over the course of twenty-four hours, allow your soul to breathe. Walk the gardens. Rest. Pray. Listen. Release the need to accomplish and simply receive the gift of being held in divine love. In the silence, you may discover that what seemed distant has been quietly waiting within you all along.
The retreat begins Friday at 7 p.m. with a communal prayer service, followed by a one-on-one conversation with an experienced spiritual director who will accompany you as you enter this sacred time. The remainder of the retreat unfolds in silence, creating space for prayer, reflection, and deep listening.
Breakfast and lunch on Saturday are shared in silence, honoring the contemplative rhythm of the retreat. Dinner offers a gentle return to community with conversation among fellow retreatants before gathering one final time in prayer.
Limited to just 10 participants, this intimate retreat offers the gift of unhurried time, compassionate spiritual companionship, and the grace to listen for the still, small voice that is always calling you home.
Schedule
3 meals on Saturday
2 sessions of spiritual direction
2 sessions of spiritual direction
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Cranaleith, 13475 Proctor Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19116, USA
Directions
By Car:
From I-95: Take Woodhaven Road exit (Route 63 WEST) almost to the end, to where it narrows to one lane. Turn left onto Evans Street. At slight, turn right onto Byberry Road for approximately ONE mile to Proctor Road. Turn RIGHT and continue for 1/8 mile and Cranaleith will be on the RIGHT. From Roosevelt Boulevard: If coming North, turn LEFT onto Southampton Road (If coming South on Route 1, make a RIGHT on Southampton). Continue on Southampton Road for ONE mile to Worthington Road (stop sign). Turn LEFT on to Worthington Road, continue for ONE block to Napier Street. Turn RIGHT and proceed for THREE blocks to Proctor Road. Turn RIGHT onto Proctor Road and then make an immediate RIGHT into Cranaleith’s driveway. From PA Turnpike: Exit at #351 (Bensalem Exit). Go SOUTH on Route 1. Immediately after the Street Road Exit and Andy’s Diner, the lanes divide. Be sure to stay in the far RIGHT lane. When you come to the intersection of Southampton Road, turn RIGHT. Continue on Southampton Road for ONE mile to Worthington Road (stop sign). Turn LEFT onto Worthington Road, continue for ONE block to Napier Street. Turn RIGHT and proceed for THREE blocks to Proctor Road. Turn RIGHT onto Proctor Road and then make an immediate RIGHT into Cranaleith’s driveway.
PROBLEM WITH GOOGLE DIRECTIONS: If you are coming from the PA Turnpike, online directions automatically send you onto Street Road/132W after exiting the Turnpike and heading down Route 1 South. Many people mistakenly go East on Street Road. And others miss the subsequent Trevose Road turn because it isn’t properly marked. It’s much easier to avoid Street Road by staying on 1 South (in the right-hand lane) until Southampton Road, where you make a right. Then make a left on Worthington, a right on Napier and a right on Proctor.
By Train:
From the city (University City, 30th St. Station, Suburban Station, Market East, etc.), take the West Trenton commuter train to SOMERTON. From the station walk LEFT on Edison Avenue for two blocks. Crossover Trevose Road and then RIGHT onto Proctor Road. Cranaleith will be on the LEFT. Transportation from the station may be arranged.
By Bus:
From the Frankford Terminal, take No. 58 bus up Bustleton Ave. to Byberry Road. Walk EAST on Byberry Road for two blocks to Proctor Road. Turn LEFT onto Proctor Road and proceed for 1/8 mile. Cranaleith will be on the RIGHT.
By Plane:
From Philadelphia International Airport, take the airport train to 30th Street Station, and transfer to the R3 — West Trenton Commuter Train to SOMERTON. From the station walk LEFT on Edison Avenue for two blocks. Crossover Trevose Road and then RIGHT onto Proctor Road. Cranaleith will be on the LEFT. Transportation from the station may be arranged.
From I-95: Take Woodhaven Road exit (Route 63 WEST) almost to the end, to where it narrows to one lane. Turn left onto Evans Street. At slight, turn right onto Byberry Road for approximately ONE mile to Proctor Road. Turn RIGHT and continue for 1/8 mile and Cranaleith will be on the RIGHT. From Roosevelt Boulevard: If coming North, turn LEFT onto Southampton Road (If coming South on Route 1, make a RIGHT on Southampton). Continue on Southampton Road for ONE mile to Worthington Road (stop sign). Turn LEFT on to Worthington Road, continue for ONE block to Napier Street. Turn RIGHT and proceed for THREE blocks to Proctor Road. Turn RIGHT onto Proctor Road and then make an immediate RIGHT into Cranaleith’s driveway. From PA Turnpike: Exit at #351 (Bensalem Exit). Go SOUTH on Route 1. Immediately after the Street Road Exit and Andy’s Diner, the lanes divide. Be sure to stay in the far RIGHT lane. When you come to the intersection of Southampton Road, turn RIGHT. Continue on Southampton Road for ONE mile to Worthington Road (stop sign). Turn LEFT onto Worthington Road, continue for ONE block to Napier Street. Turn RIGHT and proceed for THREE blocks to Proctor Road. Turn RIGHT onto Proctor Road and then make an immediate RIGHT into Cranaleith’s driveway.
PROBLEM WITH GOOGLE DIRECTIONS: If you are coming from the PA Turnpike, online directions automatically send you onto Street Road/132W after exiting the Turnpike and heading down Route 1 South. Many people mistakenly go East on Street Road. And others miss the subsequent Trevose Road turn because it isn’t properly marked. It’s much easier to avoid Street Road by staying on 1 South (in the right-hand lane) until Southampton Road, where you make a right. Then make a left on Worthington, a right on Napier and a right on Proctor.
By Train:
From the city (University City, 30th St. Station, Suburban Station, Market East, etc.), take the West Trenton commuter train to SOMERTON. From the station walk LEFT on Edison Avenue for two blocks. Crossover Trevose Road and then RIGHT onto Proctor Road. Cranaleith will be on the LEFT. Transportation from the station may be arranged.
By Bus:
From the Frankford Terminal, take No. 58 bus up Bustleton Ave. to Byberry Road. Walk EAST on Byberry Road for two blocks to Proctor Road. Turn LEFT onto Proctor Road and proceed for 1/8 mile. Cranaleith will be on the RIGHT.
By Plane:
From Philadelphia International Airport, take the airport train to 30th Street Station, and transfer to the R3 — West Trenton Commuter Train to SOMERTON. From the station walk LEFT on Edison Avenue for two blocks. Crossover Trevose Road and then RIGHT onto Proctor Road. Cranaleith will be on the LEFT. Transportation from the station may be arranged.
Accommodation
Enjoy a peaceful stay in our historic main house, Mill-Rae, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places! Private and shared rooms are available, each with a beautiful view of Cranaleith's gardens and grounds. Those in search of humble yet comfortable accommodations will also enjoy the Carriage House. Both buildings offer kitchenettes and cozy living spaces.
Price includes lodging for 1 night, 3 meals on Saturday and 2 sessions of spiritual direction.
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Gather for your next spiritual program or retreat in the cozy McAuley Room (15 guests), convenient Board Room (12guests) or the Conference Room (60 guests). Enjoy a meal in the Cranaleith dining room, (60 guests), or relax on the outdoor patio with pond views.
Meals
No meals are provided.
What's Included
- Price includes lodging for 1 night, 3 meals on Saturday and 2 sessions of spiritual direction.
What's Not Included
- Transportation
- Airfare
Customer Reviews
Verified
5.0
Verified
Thoughtful and Helpful
John has been my spiritual director for multiple Cranaleith retreats. This time in particular, he did a wonderful job supporting me on my retreat. Grateful for his calming presence.
5.0
Verified
24 Hour Silent Retreat
Cranaleith is my very favorite place to go for retreats. The facility is peaceful and the staff are excellent. Meals are generous and delightful. A great experience all around.
5.0
Verified
April Retreat for Women Veterans
5 stars
5.0
Verified
Peaceful Retreat Setting
I've been bringing groups of students to Cranaleith for retreats for over 10 years now....and we will keep coming back! The staff is always so welcoming, the food nourishes my body and soul, and as soon as I step foot on the grounds I feel at peace. I highly recommend Cranaleith for their own retreat offerings and programs, as well as, a place to bring your work or school group to!
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