discover Women's wellness the way God Intended
Step away from the busyness of life and immerse yourself in a weekend of renewal at the House of Hope, nestled in the serene beauty of The St.Raphaela Retreat Center, located on Pennsylvania’s Main Line.
Inspired by St. Hildegard of Bingen’s holistic approach to wellness, this retreat offers a sacred space to restore your soul, nurture your body, and deepen your connection with God—all in the company of a small group of like-minded women.
Who is St. Hildegard of Bingen?
St. Hildegard of Bingen was a truly extraordinary woman. A visionary and polymath, she excelled in many fields—mystic, herbalist, healer, composer, musician, playwright, artist, preacher, and businesswoman. A 12th-century Benedictine nun, St. Hildegard was named a Doctor of the Catholic Church in 2012, making her one of only four women to receive this honor. Her wisdom and insights are as relevant today as they were in her time.
St. Hildegard emphasized balance and harmony, and her trusted that God revealed the secrets of well-being to her through visions and divine inspiration. She coined the term viriditas, meaning "God's greening life force," which she saw as the vital energy that flows through all of creation, including humanity.
She taught an integrative approach to health, stressing the importance of tending to the body, mind, and spirit to live in harmony with nature and others. Her pillars of well-being include: proper nutrition, fasting and detox, sleep hygiene, immersion in nature’s beauty, movement, rest, balance, and emotional healing through prayer, music, and cultivating virtue.
Though our time together may be brief, you will gain a foundational understanding of her teachings—and you will leave inspired to learn more. You will quickly see how profoundly St. Hildegard’s wisdom resonates with our world today.
What Awaits You:
✧ Peaceful Prayer Walks through nature’s beauty on the tranquil retreat grounds
✧ Hands-on Bread Making to nourish both body and spirit
✧ Savor St. Hildegard-Inspired Meals
✧ Spa Experience to relax and unwind
✧ Opportunities for mass and adoration
✧ Experience St. Hildegard's sacred music and visionary art
✧ An invitation for creative reflection and expression through art
✧ Guided spiritual and emotional healing exercise
✧ Night Prayer and fellowship around the campfire
Meet your retreat guides....
Rosanne Terzian is a wife, mother of four, an R.N. and a Certified Catholic Life and Strengths Coach. Self-taught in the writings and practices of St. Hildegard of Bingen, Rosanne blends her extensive healthcare background with her passion for helping individuals achieve holistic wellness-body, mind, and soul. She believes, like St. Hildegard, that God has provided everything we need for wholeness, such as nature, quality sleep, and proper nutrition and she seeks to share this wisdom with anyone willing to listen. She maintains that self knowledge and prayer based in scripture are the first steps to mitigate disease and live a balanced life. Learn more at https://rosanneterzian.com.
Heather Makowicz is a blessed wife and mother of three young adults, the oldest of which has multiple special needs. She is an Ignatian-trained and Certified Spiritual Director, a Trauma-Informed Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a published author, and a seasoned retreat director who founded a non-profit organization called Peak Encounter Ministries combining Ignatian Prayer with experiences in God’s beautiful creation. Through her personal and professional background, she has a deep desire to integrate our natural, human experiences in life with our spiritual life in God. In her spare time, you can find her hiking, paddle-boarding, or sitting around by a roaring fire with family and friends. Learn more about Heather at https://www.heathermakowicz.com.
Choice of dates:
Friday, April 17 - Sunday April 19, 2026 or
Friday, Sept. 11 - Sunday Sept. 13, 2026
📍The St. Raphaela Center
Main entrance is on Coopertown Rd. Our retreat is in the adjacent House of Hope - park in main parking lot and walk through path.
616 Coopertown Road
Haverford, PA 19041
T 610-642-6788
Event Cost Includes:
- Welcome reception with healthy bites and nutrient rich juices
- 2 nights in a private rooom with a shared bathroom
- All meals included, thoughtfully prepared by resident chef
- Extras include bread making experience, spa treatment, gift bag with cookbook, and wine with dinners
$525 USD
**All retreat payments are nonrefundable. However, in the case of extenuating circumstances, partial refund requests may be considered on a case by case basis.
*****We were honored by last year's response. Please book early to save your spot. Registrations will fill up fast, as space is limited to 10-12 guests (shared rooms are available-email rosanne.terzian@verizon.net to request)