5.0
Verified
Come to the Table
Great facility space, great food, spectacular grounds to walk for reflection, great retreat format with large group and small group discussions!
Blessing of the Animals
Top Rated
Blessing of the Animals
4.9157 reviews
53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
October 3, 2026
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Joe's spiritual journey unfolds as a rich tapestry, interwoven with threads of faith, love, and a deep connection to all of creation. As a self-described ragamuffin, Secular Franciscan, and beloved child of God, he embraces life's mysteries with an open heart and a contemplative spirit. His path has led him to experience the Divine as an infinite wellspring of love, shaped by personal encounters, the teachings of Jesus, and the wisdom of cherished mentors and companions.
Central to Joe's philosophy is the recognition of the profound interconnectedness of all beings and the natural world. This eco-spiritual perspective informs his approach to life, fostering a deep reverence for the Earth and all its inhabitants. Through contemplative practices, he cultivates a heightened awareness of this universal bond, finding the sacred in the ordinary and the extraordinary alike.
With a deep-seated passion for accompanying others on their spiritual quests, Joe believes in the power of shared experiences and mutual learning. He finds profound beauty in creation and human connection, emphasizing the transformative potential of being fully present in each moment. This mindful approach allows him to discover joy and freedom even amidst life's challenges, embodying the spirit of companionship Living the Way.
Joe's journey towards spiritual wholeness is an ongoing process of integration, bringing together mind, body, and spirit in harmony with the natural world. He invites others to join him in this exploration, recognizing that each person's path to wholeness is unique yet interconnected with all others. Through this lens, he sees every encounter as an opportunity for growth, healing, and the expansion of love in the world.
Details of this retreat
Join hearts and paws on October 3rd at 10:00 AM at Genesis Spiritual Life Center for the Blessing of the Animals, a celebration of the cherished connection between humans and their animal companions, coinciding with the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, known for his profound love for all of God's creation.
We warmly invite you to bring your beloved pets—whether they are furry, feathered, or scaly—to receive a unique blessing during the ceremony. This gathering is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our connection with all living beings and to express gratitude for the joy and companionship our pets bring into our lives.
As we come together, we will celebrate the beauty of creation and our shared responsibility to care for it. This joyful occasion is not just about blessings; it’s a time to appreciate the unique relationships we have with our animal friends and to foster a spirit of love and appreciation for all creatures, great and small. We look forward to sharing this meaningful experience with you and your pets!
We warmly invite you to bring your beloved pets—whether they are furry, feathered, or scaly—to receive a unique blessing during the ceremony. This gathering is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our connection with all living beings and to express gratitude for the joy and companionship our pets bring into our lives.
As we come together, we will celebrate the beauty of creation and our shared responsibility to care for it. This joyful occasion is not just about blessings; it’s a time to appreciate the unique relationships we have with our animal friends and to foster a spirit of love and appreciation for all creatures, great and small. We look forward to sharing this meaningful experience with you and your pets!
Getting Here
Genesis Spiritual Center, 53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
Customer Reviews
Verified
4.0
Verified
Christianity in Crisis
Excellent program. Brother Dom’s presentation was timely, clearly articulated, and inspiring. I have attended previous programs by him, and he never disappoints.
I have one suggestion for Genesis. There was some confusion about the agenda, in terms of times of the sessions as well as when the actual sessions began and ended. It would be helpful if an agenda could be sent out the day before the program begins. As commuters, it was a bit challenging to make sure we knew exactly when we needed to be there and for how long.
That said, as always, the staff was welcoming, helpful and friendly.
I have one suggestion for Genesis. There was some confusion about the agenda, in terms of times of the sessions as well as when the actual sessions began and ended. It would be helpful if an agenda could be sent out the day before the program begins. As commuters, it was a bit challenging to make sure we knew exactly when we needed to be there and for how long.
That said, as always, the staff was welcoming, helpful and friendly.
3.0
Verified
Toxic christianity
This workshop had outstanding researched material. The presenter was very knowlegable.
I was overwhelmed by so much input with no processing time permitted. I wished the presenter could present his points in everyday language.
I was overwhelmed by so much input with no processing time permitted. I wished the presenter could present his points in everyday language.
5.0
Verified
Christianity in Crisis
Retreat center was quiet and accommodations were very comfortable. Bro Don Bisson is an excellent presenter
5.0
Verified
Christianity in Crisis
The topic was very relevant and well presented. There were opportunities for questions and comments. It provided thoughtful information to bring home to continue to digest, absorb and live from.
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