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The Voice of the Bell: A Walk with the Ancient Celtic Monks
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The Voice of the Bell: A Walk with the Ancient Celtic Monks

4.86283 reviews
Location icon
500 College Street Northeast, Olympia, WA, USA
Date
October 17, 2026

Retreat Highlights

  • The Voice of the Bell: A Walk with the Ancient Celtic Monks Retreat Highlights
  • • Celtic Stories,
  • • Guided imagery,
  • • Exploration of some of the key themes common to both pre-Christian and Christian Celtic spirituality.
  • • Weather and attendees’ mobility permitting, we might take a contemplative walk in the forest or instead “walk” in a guided meditation.

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Save theDate
Unique to the Celtic lands was the ancient monks’ use of small hand bells, many of which have – astonishingly – survived into our time, largely due to the reverence with which they were held. Through stories of miraculous bells and a modern replica, we will listen for what is stirring within and what might call us to attentiveness. Prayers in Celtic languages, including Old Irish and modern Scots Gaelic, will also tune our ears to sounds that would have been familiar to our spiritual forebears from Celtic lands.

In this retreat you will experience:

Celtic Stories.
Guided imagery.
Exploration of some of the key themes common to both pre-Christian and Christian Celtic spirituality.
Weather and attendees’ mobility permitting, we might take a contemplative walk in the forest or instead “walk” in a guided meditation.

This retreat is for anyone who is interested in Celtic spirituality and what it might offer for their inner life

-- No prior exposure to Celtic spirituality is assumed.

Getting Here

Location icon St. Placid Priory, 500 College Street Northeast, Olympia, WA, USA

Directions

Traveling north from Portland, on I-5:
Take Exit 109
Turn left onto Martin Way at end of exit
Stay in the far right lane
Turn right at second light onto
College Street NE
Turn right at St. Placid sign
(second possible right turn)

Traveling south from Seattle, on I-5:
Take Exit 109
Turn right onto Martin Way at end of exit
Stay in the far right lane
Turn right at the light onto
College Street NE
Turn right at St. Placid sign
(second possible right turn)

Accommodation

We have ten retreat bedrooms, most of which are equipped with two twin beds. The rooms may be shared if you are coming with a friend or partner, but generally there is just one person per room. Our building is set back among the trees so the rooms stay fairly cool. There is heat in each room for the colder nights. Each room has a sink, mirror, chair, desk, and small closet area. Towels and linens are provided, but please bring your own toiletries. Bathrooms are shared and showers are available. Retreatants are welcome to join the Sisters for Mass, Praise, and meals. There is wi-fi available in the Priory Library from 8:30am-8:00pm everyday. The Priory Store is also open on Fridays and Saturdays. Plenty of walking trails wind around the Priory's property and are open to retreatants. Spiritual Direction is available upon request at an additional charge.

Program Fee
Program and Lunch

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
The Priory Spirituality Center is an ecumenical Christian ministry that encourages those of all faiths to discern the voice of God in their lives and in the world. A ministry of St. Placid Priory we reflect Benedictine values: peace, hospitality, community, learning and prayerful discernment.

We offer a peaceful and contemplative setting for personal reflection. We encourage and challenge people to know the presence of God in their lives through classes, workshops, retreats and individual spir

Meals

Menu Types

Vegan icon Vegan
Vegetarian icon Vegetarian
Pescetarian icon Pescetarian
Ayurvedic icon Ayurvedic
Includes Meat icon Includes Meat
Organic icon Organic
Gluten Free icon Gluten Free
Dairy Free icon Dairy Free
Nut Free icon Nut Free
On-your-own breakfast: Center Kitchen. Eggs, milk, bread, cereal, fruit provided. Your own food welcome, may be cooked in Kitchen. Lunch/Dinner served, main dish+salad bar. Sun coffee hour after Mass

What's Included

  • Lunch

Customer Reviews

4.86 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Time with God
I really enjoyed my stay here. It was very peaceful. Its so hard to have any quiet time to be with God and a getaway here is ideal for me. I was able to read and write in a quiet study room as well. I know I will be back. I want more time with God away from the noise and distractions of society and this makes it possible. Thank you so much and see you soon. God bless,

5.0
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great place
I love this place and tender care that people put in maintaining it. I also feel the presence of the Higher Power in this place.

5.0
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The solitary retreat I needed
The sisters and staff were gently welcoming. I read, wrote, walked the grounds, dined with the sisters, attended services, contemplated. It was a perfect setting and time and my soul is the better for it.

5.0
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Hybrid: Continuing Contemplative Rest
This monthly contemplative experience is an excellent way to help me live out my Benedictine intention to live in the world in a calm and helpful way. There are many things that tend to distract me from intentional living and the work we do together in contemplative rest helps me live peacefully outside those distractions. I find I am much more focused on what's important when I have rested together with those present on the first Saturdays.

5.0
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Perfect Pause
My experience was one of feeling completely unplugged and at the same time completely present for a whole different pace. Kind reception, great nap, deep reading, quiet walks, meals in silence, and participating in the Psalms topped off by a bit of retail (fiber art purchases). It was pretty much perfect. Betty G

Select your options

Available Dates
October 17, 2026
  • $78.00
    Program Fee
  • $90.00
    Program and Lunch
Book Now

Policy Info Refund & Cancellation Policy

The event is 100% refundable for cancellation 60+ days before the event start date. The event is 50% refundable if cancelled 30-59 days before the start date.

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