About
This retreat was recorded live September 24–27, 2019 at Cowichan Lake Research Station, BC, Canada. This purchase includes an MP3 audio download with a total running time of approximately 7 hours and 35 minutes. In this retreat, Matthew Wright explores the long-suppressed tradition of the Divine Feminine across the three Abrahamic faiths. Drawing from ancient to modern sources, he follows the threads that link Mary, mother of Jesus, to the Black Madonna, to Sophia (Wisdom), and ultimately to ousia—the essence of the Mother/Father Creator. The historic Mary emerges as more than a cameo figure in the canonical Gospels: she appears as contemplative, revolutionary spirit, mentor of discipleship, and revered elder. The universal Mary bears a God-bearing dimension, infused with the spirit of Sophia, the origin of Wisdom. Sophia, both transcendent and immanent, is understood as the womb of creation—mystically transferred through Mary into the heart of Jesus. Together, they reveal a Christos path rooted in Divine Feminine qualities of fiat (“let it be”), surrender, wisdom, and generativity. Notes to the Listener: This retreat originally included a performance by Professor Seemi Ghazi. Due to proprietary rights, her performance has been removed from the audio. A written version is available on the Blog page of our website. Matthew Wright is an Episcopal priest, writer, and retreat leader. He serves as priest-in-charge at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Woodstock, New York, and is recognized for his work in the Christian Wisdom tradition and interspiritual dialogue. His teaching integrates the contemplative heart of Christianity with insights from Sufism, Buddhism, and evolutionary spirituality.