Event Details

Celtic Mysticism – A Window From The Past To The Future

January 5, 2024 3:00 pm
Aine Minogue, Presenter
Dr. Michael Cunningham, OFS, Presenter

Check-in on Friday is from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Dinner is served at 7:00 PM. First Session on Friday evening around 8:00 pm. The retreat concludes with lunch at noon on Sunday.

Cancellation policy
Overnight or Multi-day/weekend retreats: $50 fee. Day Retreat: $20. Fees may be applied to future retreats. The fees may be waived in event of extenuating circumstances. Contact Kateri at 925-837-9141 x315.

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About the Event

Led by Aine Minogue
and Dr. Michael Cunningham OFS

Everyone wants to be Irish on St. Patricks Day, but what about the rest of the year.? What is it that makes the spiritual yearning of the Celts so powerful? What was the history that led them
to produce so many spiritual leaders, from St. Patrick to John O’Donohue and myriad other contemporary writers and artists? Who better to tell the story over a quiet, passionate weekend deep dive than two formed in a deep love and history of the Celts. This three-day retreat led by Franciscan Dr. Michael Cunningham, and international famous Irish Contemplative Harpist and Vocalist, Aine Minogue will walk us through a weekend of music, poetry, history and prayer, all in the Christian tradition. Join us for a three-day quiet retreat at the Oasis of Peace, San Damiano, in beautiful Danville.

“Anyone who’s skeptical of the concept of heaven as a place where eternity is spent listening to harp music should hear this. Áine Minogue proves beyond reasonable doubt why the harp is indeed the instrument of angels.”
LA TIMES (pick of the week – 4 stars (maximum)

Here are some other links below:

Link to Aine’s web site:
www.minogue.com

Link to sample video/music:

Link to Spotify list: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4BYRoEELmbGIm7kA6BJatM?si=VCELd7VkS8ysiKUQssWKPQ

Addition copy and referrals

“”….this Irish harpist combines a hypnotic Celtic spirituality and contemporary sophistication in her playing and delicately lovely singing” ”
— BOSTON GLOBE

Minogue’s ethereal voice caresses her Gaelic lyrics like a breeze through Irish mists, but her sound is more organic, mixing her own Celtic harp with acoustic guitars, cello, fiddles, flutes, and percussion from Irish bodhrans to Indian tables.

Áine Minogue is close enough to her Celtic sources to be nourished by them, but not so close that they root her to the spot. BILLBOARD MAGAZINE

She has a fragile, lilting voice that wraps around the mostly Gaelic lyrics like a gently windblown satin sheet. BILLBOARD MAGAZINE

Áine pushes her art to the edge of her music. She embraces a traditional core and re approaches it, wrapping it in new and exciting clothing. She’s a terrific musician, with an uncanny ability to connect with her audience. BRIAN O’DONOVAN, WGBH, BOSTON

… the beauty of her poetry and music evokes images from the misty past celebrating the seasonal feasts of the Celtic world. Her creativity shines…. BILLBOARD MAGAZINE

About the Presenter(s)

Aine Minogue

Aine Minogue: Irish Harp & Vocals
As traditional Irish music and dance continue to enjoy phenomenal success both in the United States and in Ireland, Áine has worked to explore their themes and to understand their very essence. Her voice, though uniquely her own, also reflects the lyricism and richness to be found in Irish music, mythology, and poetry.

Dr. Michael Cunningham, OFS

Dr. Michael Cunningham, OFS, completed his MA in Ministry at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, MA, and his Doctorate in Ministry at Catholic University in Washington, DC. He is the Executive Director of San Damiano Retreat in Danville, CA. Michael is married with four children and eleven grandchildren and is an avid writer, photographer and motorcyclist. Michael is a Retreat Master and Spiritual Director.