The practices of reading and writing poetry open us up to lively holiness in the ordinary, especially in the green and growing world around us. In her recent poetry collection, Kathy Staudt follows the explorations of medieval mystic Hildegard of Bingen into the spiritual energy of “viriditas,” the hidden life that pulses through the natural world. During the Quiet Day, participants will listen to poetry in prayerful ways, and be encouraged to write poetry of their own. The day will include time in the gardens and green spaces of Adelynrood, corporate silence for meditation and writing, and opportunities for small group sharing.

Dr. Kathleen Staudt (Kathy), SCHC, is co-director of the Adelynrood School for Spiritual Direction. She teaches courses in spirituality and literature, writing and practical theology at The Virginia Theological Seminary.  A finalist in the 2021 Paraclete Poetry contest, Kathy has published four books of poetry, most recently Viriditas: New and Selected Poems, and scholarly studies of the British artist and poet David Jones.