Jung in Ireland
The Mystery of Hope and Resilience
A Program with the Monks of Glenstal Abbey
County Limerick
March 20–26, 2023
“Hope” is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without words
And never stops at all.
—Emily Dickinson
Program Overview
Why is it that one individual can survive a trauma or tragedy and eventually be able to thrive while another loses hope, may be emotionally paralyzed, and remains depressed and troubled? This seminar will explore the enigma of hope and resilience with the intention of trying to understand the phenomenon and identify whether resilience and hope are inborn or if they can be developed. As parent, teacher, therapist, or mentor, can we nurture these qualities in ourselves and others?
These past few years have brought us all many challenges. Through it, many of us have struggled with finding hope and maintaining our resilience. Decades ago, C.G. Jung also recognized that we live in political, economic, and spiritually distressing times. For Jung, the hope of humans and the world at large depended ultimately on the psychological work individuals do in their most intimate inner world. This work not only gives greater meaning to our lives, it connects us to an inner Self, capable of transcending our personal obstacles and collective anxieties. Thus, even in the extreme environment of a Nazi concentration camp, existential psychologist Viktor Frankl saw that individuals who could find meaning or hope stood a better chance of survival than those who lacked these things. James Hollis has written that through the paths of inner exploration — the tools of depth psychology, classical literature, philosophy, dream work, art, and myth, “we gain access to our locus of knowing — a wellspring of deep resilience beyond the ego, always available to guide us back to the imperatives of our soul.”
Though many of the challenges of our times seem unique, the path through for us — personally and collectively — will always rely on our capacity for creativity, wisdom, and connection to a reality larger than ourselves. Research indicates that hope—the implication that there is the possibility of a better future — can help us manage stress and anxiety and cope with adversity. It contributes to our well-being and happiness and motivates positive action. The body of evidence shows that hope is the mindset that drives resilient behaviors.
Through a combination of presentation by our faculty and the monks of Glenstal Abbey, we will draw on the potential we all have to find hope and meaning and to foster our resilience for the challenging days ahead.
March 20–26, 2023 | County Limerick
A Special Program with the Monks of Glenstal Abbey: The Mystery of Hope & Resilience
Cost: $2,980*
includes:
- Six nights’ accommodations at the Castletroy Park Hotel
- Transportation by coach to and from the hotel to Glenstal Abbey throughout the program
- All presentations and discussions
- Full Irish breakfast daily; all breaks for coffee, tea, and scones; three lunches; and four dinners.
All program costs are based on double occupancy. Single supplement: $395. Gratuities additional: $125.
CEs and Certificates of Attendance
The Jung in Ireland Series — both programs: in County Limerick with the Monks of Glenstal Abbey and the seminar in County Galway — offer continuing education credits and certificates of attendance.
More information below in the Registration Details section.
The Setting: County Limerick
During this week we will spend our days in picturesque Country Limerick where our sessions will be held at the Glenstal Abbey, a short distance from our accommodations at the Castletroy Park Hotel in the City of Limerick. Contrasting with the sleepy country villages, Limerick City is a busy and well-developed city, straddling the banks of the River Shannon. The city has an interesting history, which was founded by the Vikings, but taken over by the Irish. Limerick was developed and fortified by the Anglo-Normans during the Middle Ages. King John’s Castle overlooking the river still stands as a reminder of this era. Limerick is remembered by many as the setting for Frank McCourt’s book, Angela’s Ashes, though the city has been much modernized from the desperate times described in McCourt’s time. Today Limerick is a vibrant multi-cultural city.
Glenstal Abbey
Glenstal Abbey, (ariel view at the top of this page) home to a community of monks — many renowned scholars among them — is a Benedictine monastery on the southwest coast of Ireland. It sits on over 300 acres, with streams, lakes, woodland paths, and an enchanting walled garden. Surrounding a castle built in the romantic Norman style, the Abbey houses a world-famous collection of Russian icons and one of the most important private libraries in Ireland. The library includes a substantial collection of antiquarian books — many dating back to the fifteenth century — on Irish history, Irish literature, biography, and art.
Accommodations: The Castletroy Park Hotel
The Castletroy Park Hotel, situated within walking distance of the University of Limerick and the Shannon River, and a short drive to Limerick’s center, will be an ideal location for our program at Glenstal Abbey. A 20-minute drive from our hotel to the Abbey, the Castletroy Park Hotel is also within a short drive of Limerick’s major landmarks, including John’s Castle and the famed Hunt Museum. The hotel’s contemporary-style rooms were designed with comfort and relaxation in mind, with each of its rooms including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, a tea & coffee station, and en-suite bathroom with walk-in showers. In addition, hotel guests have free access to its outstanding recreational facilities, which include a health club, large indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and steam room.
Meals together…
Meals throughout the week are buffet style, superbly prepared and presented — a wonderful time to get to know one another and interact with participants and presenters. In addition, each day begins with a hearty, full Irish breakfast, complemented by a wide selection of fresh fruit, local Irish cheeses, and fresh breads. Our breaks will feature fresh brewed coffee, traditional Irish and herbal teas, and freshly baked scones.
Opening and closing dinners will be at the Castletroy Park Hotel with lunches at Glenstal Abbey on March 21, 22 and 24. There will be a a festive evening dinner with some of the Monks of Glenstal Abbey on Wednesday and a traditional Irish dinner at the Castletroy on Thursday following the outing led by Brother Colmán Ó Clabaigh.
For those interested in dinner, and/or an evening in town, complimentary shuttle service will be offered to Limerick on the evenings of March 21 and March 24, and the afternoon of March 25.
Optional Outing: Visit the Rock of Cashel and Holy Cross Abbey
On Thursday March 23, Glenstal monk Colmán Ó Clabaigh will personally lead participants to visit two of the most evocative and significant pilgrimage sites of medieval Ireland: the Rock of Cashel, (intimately associated with St. Patrick), ancient seat of the Kings of Muenster and Royal fortress with spectacular views for miles around, and Holy Cross Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery widely regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Ireland. Please note that attendance requires signing up in advance. Details and signup information will be provided upon registration.
Faculty
Thomas Elsner, JD, MA, is a certified Jungian analyst practicing in Santa Barbara, California, and a graduate of the Jung–Von Franz Center for Depth Psychology in Zurich. A core faculty member and highly respected lecturer at Pacifica Graduate Institute for many years where he taught courses on depth psychology and alchemy, Thomas has lectured and presented and led workshops on the theme of Jungian psychology and alchemy nationally and internationally. A recipient of the distinguished annual Fay Lecture series in analytical psychology, he is the author of a soon to be published book on Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s epic poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
Mark Patrick Hederman, former abbot of Glenstal Abbey, has been a monk of Glenstal Abbey for over 45 years. Founding editor of The Crane Bag Journal of Irish Studies, he spent the first years of the new century wandering in search of the Holy Spirit, allowing inspiration and coincidence to lead him. Among his many publications are Walkabout: Life as Holy Spirit; Kissing the Dark: Connecting with the Unconscious; Underground Cathedrals; Dancing with Dinosaurs; The Opal and the Pearl, and his most recent book, Crimson and Gold: Life as a Limerick.
John Hill, MA, earned a diploma in analytical psychology from the Jung Institute of Zurich, where he served for many years as training analyst. Additionally, he has earned degrees in philosophy from the University of Dublin and Catholic University in Washington, DC, has a private practice in Zurich, and is a training analyst at ISAP Zurich. Born and raised in Ireland and a graduate of the Glenstal Abbey School, he has published, among others works, “Celtic Myth”; “Dreams”; “Christian Mysticism”; and At Home in the World: Sounds and Symmetries of Belonging.
Anthony Keane, OSB, who joined the Abbey of Glenstal in 1965 to teach in the Abbey School, studied archaeology and the Irish language in Dublin, and theology in Rome. Following his studies, Father Keane embarked on pilgrimage for a year in India before returning home to tend the forest in Glenstal and serve as the monastery’s forester. Situated on several hundred acres, Glenstal’s forest contains some of the oldest and most magnificent trees in Ireland.
Nóirín Ní Riain, PhD, an acclaimed spiritual singer, has introduced the Dalai Lama at official occasions in Ireland and elsewhere. A theologian, musicologist, and recording artist who was awarded the first doctorate in theology from the University of Limerick, she has written several books, including Listen with the Ear of the Heart: An Autobiography and Theosony: Towards a Theology of Listening. Dr. Ní Riain was ordained as a minister in 2017 with One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in London.
Colmán Ó Clabaigh has been a monk at Glenstal Abbey for over thirty years. He is a medievalist specializing in the history of monastic and religious orders in medieval Ireland and has published and edited numerous books and articles in this field. His monograph, The Friars in Ireland, 1224–1540 (Dublin, 2012) was awarded the Prize for Irish Historical Research by the National University of Ireland in 2013. He is currently working on a book on religion and society in medieval Ireland.
Father Simon Sleeman, MA, earned a BA in psychology and philosophy at University College, Dublin, and MAs in theology and organizational development. Ordained in 1991, Father Simon was born in Berlin and educated at the Glenstal Abbey School. Headmaster of Glenstal’s Secondary School from 1991 to 1998 and for many years bursar of Glenstal Abbey, he notes that “providential encounters with psychotherapy, poetry, and alternative philosophies have helped me to forge another understanding of life.”
Joanne Wieland Burston, PhD, is a Jungian analyst in private practice in Munich, Germany. A graduate of the Jung Institute in Zurich, she teaches at the International Seminar for Analytical Psychology in Zurich, has lectured internationally, and is the author of various articles. In 1999 she began a supervision group on the effects of the Nazi period on clients today. Her books, Chaos and Order in the World of the Psyche and Contemporary Solitude: The Joy and Pain of Being Alone, have been translated into many languages. Her most recent book is Archetypal and Cultural Perspectives on the Foreigner: Minorities and Monsters.
Monika Wikman, PhD, is a Jungian analyst, astrologer, cranial sacral practitioner and author of Pregnant Darkness: Alchemy and the Rebirth of Consciousness; editor and contributor to Living with Fire: The Visionary Alchemical Work of Nathan Schwartz Salant. A graduate of the Jung–Von Franz Center for Depth Psychology in Zürich, she taught for many years in the graduate department at California State University, Los Angeles, and was the principal investigator of dream research at UCSD Medical Center on “Dreams of the Dying.” She has worked both as an analyst and a cranial sacral therapist with the dying and is director of The Santa Fe Center for Alchemical Studies, with workshops, publications, and research underway. Her work focuses on psyche-body unity, and healing states of consciousness.
Daily Schedule
Monday, March 20
Check in at the Castletroy Park Hotel, located within walking distance of the University of Limerick and the Shannon River, and a short drive to Glenstal Abbey. At 4:00 this afternoon, we will gather together for an opening presentation by Jungian analyst, John Hill, Nourishing Hope in the Face of Despair, followed by refreshments and an opportunity to get to know one another before ending the evening with a festive dinner at our hotel.
Tuesday, March 21
Following a full Irish breakfast served daily at our hotel, we will depart for a full day at Glenstal Abbey, home to a unique community of monks — known for their hospitality, world-renowned choir, remarkable collection of Russian Icons, and a prestigious public school. After welcoming remarks and an introduction to Glenstal Abbey by Abbot Brendan Coffey, we will hear a presentation by former Abbot Mark Patrick Hederman: The Resilience Required in Disclosing the Hope That Is In Me.
Following a break for coffee, tea and scones, we will have an opportunity for further discussion and dialogue with Father Hederman.
After the conclusion of this morning’s presentation and discussion, we are invited to join the monks of Glenstal and participate in the ritual of Mass, with its traditional Gregorian chant — an optional activity available each day throughout the week. This afternoon, after lunch at Glenstal (included), there will be a presentation (TBD) followed by a break for tea and cookies. We will end the day with the opportunity for us all, in smaller groups, to have a private viewing of Glenstal’s famous Icons guided by one of Glenstal’s monks. We will then return to the Castletroy Park Hotel in time for dinner on our own. For those interested, a round trip, complementary shuttle will be provided from our hotel to Limerick City.
Wednesday, March 22
Returning to Glenstal, today’s program will begin with a presentation by Jungian analyst, Joanne Wieland-Burston, Holocaust Survivors and their Descendants: Those who Survived and Thrived. Dr. Wieland, who lives and works in Germany, began a supervision group over 20 years ago on the effects of the Nazi period on survivors of the Holocaust as experienced in their analytic practices. Following Joanne’s presentation and group discussion, lunch (included) at Glenstal, this afternoon’s program will include a tour of Glenstal’s grounds, led by Anthony Keane, the monastery’s forester.
Later this afternoon, Jungian analyst Tom Elsner, a graduate of the Jung-Von Franz Center for Depth Psychology, will present on the theme The Past as Future: Liminal States, Transformation, and Resilience. This evening, continuing our full day at Glenstal, there will be the chance to participate in (or observe) the service of Vespers (a Service that takes place in the early evening) and enjoy a festive reception and dinner with some of the monks at Glenstal Abbey. We will end our long day at the Abbey with the (optional) opportunity to observe, or participate in, Compline (a short night Service) before returning to our hotel.
Thursday, March 23
Free day to rest, relax, and/or explore Limerick on our own OR join us in an outing led by Brother Colmán Ó Clabaigh, one of the monks at Glenstal and a noted historian in his own right. Details about this optional outing will be sent upon registration. The field trip, personally led by Brother Colman, will include visits to two of the most evocative and significant pilgrimage sites of medieval Ireland: the Rock of Cashel (intimately associated with St. Patrick, ancient seat of the Kings of Muenster and Royal Fortress with spectacular views all around) and Holy Cross Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery widely regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Ireland. Returning to our hotel at 5:00, we will enjoy a special performance/presentation by Nóírin Ní Riain, followed by a traditional Irish dinner at our hotel (included).
Friday, March 24
This morning, noted Jungian analyst, Monika Wikman, whose field of special interest is the interface of Jungian work and Alchemy, will present An Alchemical Perspective on Where Deep Peace Comes From in the Psyche with ample opportunity for questions and discussion of this difficult but important topic in the psychology and ideas of Jung. Following lunch at Glenstal (included) there will be a unique opportunity to meet in small group settings with some of the monks of Glenstal who will share with us their personal experiences, respond to questions participants may have, and give us the opportunity to hear of the work they do at the Abbey. Following our smaller group meetings with the monks, we will reconvene for tea and cookies before returning to our hotel in time for dinner on our own. For those interested in having dinner in town, a round trip, complimentary shuttle will be provided from our hotel to Limerick City.
Saturday, March 25
Today, our final day at Glenstal, will begin with a presentation by Simon Sleeman, a monk at Glenstal for over 40 years. Father Sleeman, who holds a B.A. in philosophy and psychology and an M.A. in organizational development, has served the monastery in many different capacities, including headmaster of Glenstal’s prestigious school and Bursar of the monastery, will share some of his own life experience as he addresses the theme of Hope and Resilience: A Personal Journey. Following a break for coffee and tea, there will be a faculty and participant discussion reflecting on our experience at Glenstal this week. At noon, we will have the option of walking to Glenstal’s historic Craig an Aifrinn (Rock of the Mass) led by Nóírin Ní Riain … or participating in a Mass with the monks before returning to our hotel.
The remainder of this afternoon will be free and on our own to rest, relax, or explore the charming nearby Village of Killaloe on the River Shannon. A complimentary shuttle from our hotel to Killaloe will be provided. This evening we will enjoy a festive closing dinner (included) at our hotel.
Sunday, March 26
Departures from the Castletroy Park Hotel for the airports or, for those participating in the Seminar in Galway, Confronting Our Personal and Family Ghosts, transportation and overnight accommodations will be provided
Please note: Daily schedule subject to change
Registration Information
March 20–26, 2023 | County Limerick
A Special Program with the Monks of Glenstal Abbey: The Mystery of Hope & Resilience
Cost: $2,980*
includes:
- Six nights’ accommodations at the Castletroy Park Hotel
- Transportation by coach to and from the hotel to Glenstal Abbey throughout the program
- All presentations and discussions
- Full Irish breakfast daily; all breaks for coffee, tea, and scones; three lunches; and four dinners.
All program costs are based on double occupancy. Single supplement: $395. Gratuities additional: $125.
Reserve your space. A deposit of $600 for each program is required to reserve your space. Registration form must be completed in full, including credit-card information. Register online or call the office: 845-256-0191, we will be happy to help you register, provide more information, and/or help with your travel plans.
Payment in full is due by January 19, 2023. Subject to availability of space, participants may still register after this date, at an additional cost of $100.
Stay for both weeks and the extra night is on us.
Register for both programs and your overnight accommodations on March 26 are free, along with transportation from Limerick to Galway.
Participation
Teachings are appropriate for health care professionals as well as the public. Health care professionals will be able to incorporate the tools and practices offered in this program in ways beneficial to clients or patients. No prerequisites are required. The March 20–26, 2023 program at Glenstal Abbey is limited to 40 participants.
Arrangements can be made for family or friends interested in accompanying participants (but not attending) either or both programs.
Continuing Education Credits
Both programs in the Ireland Series offer continuing education credits as well as certificates of attendance.
Complete details are available here.
Travel Arrangements for Jung in Ireland
March 20–26, 2023 Glenstal Abbey Program in Limerick Transportation by coach from the Radisson Blu Dublin Airport Hotel to the Castletroy Park Hotel on March 20, and from the Castletroy Park Hotel to Dublin airport on March 26, will be available at a cost of 40 euros per person in each direction. Please call our office for details and departure times before you make your airline reservation.
March 27-April 3, 2023 Seminar in Galway Transportation by coach from the Radisson Blu Dublin Airport Hotel to the Connemara Coast Hotel in Galway on March 27 and from the Connemara Coast Hotel to Dublin Airport on April 3, will be available at a cost of 40 euros per person in each direction. Please call our office for details and departure times before you make your airline reservation.
Help with Travel Arrangements One of the services we supply, at no additional charge, is to help with your travel arrangements. Our knowledgeable and patient staff can assist you in making your travel plans — including booking reservations that are available from the various airlines. If you need help booking your flight, contact our office at 845-256-0191, or email us.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Participants are urged to purchase travel insurance for losses necessitated by having to cancel participation. For your convenience, insurance information will be sent upon registration — or consult your own insurance agent.
Other Information
Tax Deductions Seminars of this type generally meet the requirements for IRS deductions.
Faculty and Other Changes All rights are reserved by the program directors to make faculty substitutions and/or modify the program (including hotels) if needed. All rights are reserved to ask a participant to leave who is disruptive to a program.
Cancellations and Refunds Deposit is refundable, less $175 administrative fee, if request is received in writing on or before December 1, 2022. No refunds after this date.
Covid If Covid restrictions cause us to postpone this trip, your deposit will be credited toward your choice of any 2023 or 2024 program.
Disclaimer of Responsibility: By registering for this program, participant and/or accompanying guest specifically waives any and all claims of action against the New York Center for Jungian Studies and their respective staffs for damages, loss, injury, accident, sickness, or death incurred by any person in connection with this tour. The New York Center for Jungian Studies and their respective staffs assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any train, vessel, carriage, aircraft, or other conveyance which may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the passengers. Neither will the New York Center for Jungian Studies or their staff be responsible for any injury, death, loss, accident, sickness, delay or irregularity through neglect or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out the purposes for which tickets, vouchers, or coupons are issued. No responsibility is accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, viruses, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, or acts of nature, local laws, or other causes, or for any baggage or personal effects of any individual, or their accompanying guests, participating in one of the New York Center for Jungian Studies programs. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for any reason whatsoever to alter the itinerary or arrangements for reasons outside the control of the New York Center for Jungian Studies, such alterations, including hotels, guides, scholars, or postponement of a program be made without penalty. All rights are reserved to require any participant, and/or their accompanying guests to withdraw from the program at his/her own expense when such an action is determined by the program staff to be in the best interest of the participant’s or accompanying guest’s health and safety, and/or that of the group in general. This agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, where it was made, and any action or proceeding concerning the subject of this agreement shall be commenced in the District Court of the County of Nassau.