In January, 2016, Brian Pierce, OP, friar of the Province of St. Martin de Porres, will present a series of three programs at Siena Retreat Center, Racine, WI, focusing on Dominican charism of preaching, contemplation and meditation. Brian Pierce is a preacher and author of We Walk the Path Together: Learning from Thich Nhat Hanh and Meister Eckhart. He recently returned from Iraq where he visited Dominican sisters working with refugees fleeing violence.

On January 14, he will present a day-long preaching workshop entitled, “Preaching as Kenosis:  Hearing and Preaching the Word as a Modern Day Mendicant.” This event is co-sponsored by the Racine Dominican Preaching Committee. On Friday evening, he will give a presentation on “The Dominican Gift of Contemplation for the World Today.” This special evening celebrates Siena Retreat Center’s Dominican roots and launches their 50th Anniversary celebrations. Brian Pierce will offer reflections on the present and the future of the Dominican ethos of reflection and contemplation. A dessert reception and book signing will follow.

The theme for the weekend retreat (Jan 16-17) will be, “Silence, Meditation, and Living in the Present Moment.” Sunday morning liturgy and personal reflection complete the weekend.   It is possible to register for any combination of these events by contacting Siena Retreat Center, 5637 Erie St., Racine, WI, 53402, by e-mail:retreats@racinedominicans.org or phone 262-898-2590.

Additional information is available at www.SienaRetreatCenter.org. Siena Retreat Center is located on the shores of Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Chicago.