The Desert Fathers are sometimes referred to as the neptic fathers, from the Greek word nepsis meaning wakeful or watchful. They were known for their vigilance in the spiritual life, always standing on guard against wicked thoughts or temptations through stillness of heart and contemplation of the truth, goodness, and beauty found in Jesus Christ. Thus, it is fitting that the first reading found in volume one of the Philokalia (a compilation of writings from the desert tradition) is on guarding the intellect by St. Isaiah the Solitary.

In this half-day retreat, Nathan Wigfield will be using this relatively short text to take a deep dive into the meaning and significance of watchfulness in the spiritual life and discuss practical tools for growing in the virtue of watchfulness as we all strive for the holiness “without which no man can see God” (Heb. 12:14) To read the short text ahead of the retreat, please click  the button below.

Guarding the Intellect

Cost to attend is $10 per person. 
Schedule for the day is as follows:

1. 7:00 AM - 7:45 AM:  Registration and Continental Breakfast
2. 7:45 AM - 8:30 AM:  First Conference
3. 8:45 AM - 9:30 AM:  Holy Mass
4. 9:45 AM - 10:30 AM: Second Conference
5. 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM: Coffee/Snack Break
6. 10:45-AM - 11:30 AM: Third Conference
7. 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Q+A/Wrap-Up