Under clear blue skies and the gentle warmth of early spring sunshine, Whalley Abbey provided a perfect setting for a day retreat. It was an ideal gathering place for a small group of Spiritual Companions and those discerning a call to this meaningful ministry.
The retreat day was one of three events that brought together Spiritual Companions - sometimes known as Spiritual Directors - from across the diocese, and provided an opportunity to share stories, renew friendships, and take some time out of the everyday for spiritual refreshment. At the heart of this day was a workshop led by ceramicist Rachel Ho, whose art and insight bridged the outer and inner journeys of healing.
Rachel began with a short, moving talk about her public art project exploring "scarred pots" - ceramic vessels she created, marked with a scar and filled with gold in the tradition of Kintsugi. Each pot carries a story, a symbolic echo of the wounds and resilience of its recipient. Her project resonates deeply with Christian themes of brokenness and redemption, of scars as sacred and a symbol of our unique journeys. Participants listened to recorded "scar stories" gathered by Rachel during her project, which were poignant testimonies of pain, healing, and hope. Space was provided to reflect in silence and discuss each person’s experiences with others. Many of the retreat participants found themselves connecting the recorded narratives with their own scars, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Rachel then invited everyone to shape their own scarred pot in clay. No experience was required, just a willingness to engage with the process. In this act of forming and marking the clay with a scar, many discovered a contemplative practice that allowed them to reflect on their own struggles.
The day was led by the Ven David Sharples, former Archdeacon of Rochdale and now Bishop’s Advisor for Spirituality, alongside Revd Carol Schofield; Revd Carole Barnett; Revd Angie Stanton; Jo Higgs, Authorised Lay Minister at St James and Emmanuel; and Sheila Tolley, Authorised Lay Minister at St James, East Crompton.
Whilst days like this retreat offer a much-needed step away from the stresses of everyday life, anyone can benefit from the support of a Spiritual Companion. Grounded in Christian traditions such as Franciscan simplicity, Jesuit discernment, Benedictine listening, and Quaker stillness, Spiritual Companionship is a sacred relationship where one soul walks alongside another. It is not about advice or direction, but about helping another to recognise God’s quiet movement in their life.
This one-on-one ministry offers space for prayer, attentive listening, and mutual learning, guided always by the Holy Spirit. It is confidential, challenging, hospitable, and ultimately transformative, helping individuals grow in Christ and live more freely in God’s grace. As the retreat reminded us, spiritual wellbeing underpins every aspect of life, and every Christian can benefit from such accompaniment.
For those who feel called to explore this path further - either to find a Companion or to become one - please contact the Revd Canon Anne Edwards at BishopsChaplain@manchester.anglican.org
