Thunder Bay–North Shore Deanery Lenten Quiet Days
By Janet Pike
The theme of the 2026 Thunder Bay–North Shore Deanery Lenten Quiet Days was “Viriditas: The Greening Power of God – Praying with St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179)”, led by The Rt. Rev. Dr. Lynne McNaughton, Bishop of Kootenay. The goal of the sessions was to spend time with the poetry, music, and visions of Hildegard and to help participants open themselves to the new life God is bringing about in ourselves and in our world.
Archdeacon Dr. Deborah Kraft welcomed clergy from Anglican and Lutheran parishes in the Thunder Bay–North Shore Deanery, a member of the Spiritual Care Centre of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, and three clergy from neighbouring Minnesota to the half-day session held Friday, February 27 at St. Thomas’ Church.
Following Morning Prayer, Bishop Lynne introduced participants to Hildegard of Bingen. Hildegard expressed her own experiences of intimacy with God through visions that were recorded in writing, music, and art. Participants were invited to reflect on questions such as:
“How in your spiritual life do you connect with holiness?” and “How do you sabotage those connections?”
Time was given for quiet reflection on these questions.
The Friday gathering concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist using a special Eucharistic prayer that incorporated many of Hildegard’s ideas. The prayer was written by Bishop Lynne and used with the permission of Archbishop Anne Germond. Lunch followed, along with lively conversation and fellowship.
The Saturday session drew 28 participants from Anglican parishes as well as Lutheran and United congregations, and included a participant from Kitchitwa Kateri Indigenous Catholic Church. The group was welcomed by Canon Ed Swayze, Chair of Deanery Council, who spoke about the importance of Deanery Council funding events that bring together parishes and neighbours from across the region.
Saturday also began with Morning Prayer. Bishop Lynne offered three talks throughout the day, each followed by time for quiet reflection. Participants kept journals to record their thoughts and were invited to emulate Hildegard’s artwork by creating their own images during the afternoon session after a silent lunch.
One of Hildegard’s images depicts a circle extending just beyond a rectangle, with Christ seeming to hold the world in a great embrace. The image evokes the idea that “the mystery of God hugs you in its all-encompassing arms.”
The day closed with the celebration of the Eucharist, again using the special prayer. Hymns related to the theme were sung throughout both days, including one whose lyrics were written by Hildegard herself, “I Am That Great and Fiery Force.”
Participants were dismissed with one of Hildegard’s enduring words of encouragement:
“Even in a world that’s being shipwrecked, remain brave and strong.”
The retreat was organized by the Thunder Bay–North Shore Deanery Lenten Retreat Committee: Dr. Carol Knox (Chair), Daniel Klein, Janet Pike, and Archdeacon Dr. Deborah Kraft.