A day of serious formation, discussion, and practical wisdom for living as a Christian today. This year we are honoured to announce our keynote speakers, Bishop Erik Varden and Fr Jacques Philippe.
St Patrick’s Church, Soho | 10am–4pm
In a culture that scatters our attention and fragments our lives, the monastic tradition offers a simple but powerful insight: a rule of life creates freedom. Intentional rhythms of prayer, work and rest shape a heart that is steady, purposeful and alive.
This Summit explores how that wisdom can be lived beyond the monastery and in the world: forming confident, wholehearted Christians whose faith is active, outward-looking and transformative in the world today.
.webp)
The full programme will be released soon.
Trappist monk, Bishop of Trondheim and acclaimed spiritual writer, recently chosen by Pope Leo XIV to lead the first Lenten retreat during his pontificate, for the Roman Curia.
A member of the Community of the Beatitudes in France and well known for his spiritual depth, and illuminating teachings on interior freedom, peace and prayer.
Sr Carino OP and Sr Lucy OP bring the living witness of religious life today.
Includes access to the Summit Programme. Please note that this ticket does not include lunch or access to any facilities or areas in the Parish Centre/Manoppello
For recently graduated and current students. Includes access to the Summit Programme. Please note that this ticket does not include lunch or access to any facilities or areas in the Parish Centre/Manoppello
Guests arrive, register, and gather for coffee before the start of the day.
Welcome and opening remarks by Fr Alexander, setting the tone for the day and introducing the theme of the Summit.
Drawing on Scripture and the monastic tradition, Bishop Erik Varden reflects on purity of heart as the integration of the whole person before God. Purity of heart is not a matter of repression but of the healing and ordering of desire, a process that can lead to freedom, clarity of purpose, and a life unified around the love of God.
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,’ Jesus tells us in the Gospel. This talk will explore what this purity of heart means, and how it is possible to attain it in the daily lives of fragile and wounded people such as ourselves. We will highlight the importance of the virtue of hope on this path to freedom.
A moderated conversation drawing together the theological vision and its practical implications. Bishop Erik Varden and Fr Jacques Philippe reflect on how monastic wisdom about the heart, desire, and freedom can be lived in everyday life, with time for structured audience questions.
Mass celebrated by Fr Alexander, followed by lunch.
Lunch will be served in the Parish Centre.
What can modern Christians learn from the rhythms of monastic life? This talk explores how the ancient idea of a “rule of life” can help non-monastics create a healthy rhythm of prayer, work, rest, and technology in the midst of busy urban life — showing how structure can actually lead to greater freedom.
Quiet time available in the church or the Manoppello Chapel.
The evangelical counsel of poverty might seem to have relevance to life outside the monastery. But it is a spiritually powerful tool for reordering and refocusing our relationship with our possessions so that they become a help, not a hindrance, to life in deeper communion with God and with each other. This talk will explore practical ways in which we can incorporate this spirit of evangelical poverty into everyday life.
Quiet time available in the church or the Manoppello Chapel.
Lord David Frost reflects on his journey of Christian conversion, the challenge of living faithfully in public life, and what the wisdom and writings of the past can still teach a modern world fixated on the present.
Quiet time available in the church or the Manoppello Chapel.
A moderated panel bringing together Bishop Erik Varden, Fr Jacques Philippe, Sister Lucy and Sister Carino, drawing together the themes of the day and focusing on how they can be lived in ordinary life today.
The parish's Vigil Mass, for anyone who wishes to attend.
Sign up to know what events are coming up at St Patrick's and learn how you can become part of our community.
The Summit will take place on Saturday 30th May 2026 at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, 21a Soho Square London, W1D 4NR
Summits are for anyone seeking to grow in their faith or learn more about the Catholic Faith. Built with Mass-going Catholics in mind, its rich and relatable content and diverse speakers mean that it will engage all ages of adult. Children are welcome to attend with their parents/guardians.
Surrounded by the bustling high streets of central London, St Patrick’s Church is well equipped to hold days of this nature. The Church, Parish Centre and Café Manoppello are all wheelchair accessible, with an easy to use lift located at the rear of the Church. The modern Parish Centre is fitted with toilets and a professional kitchen that will provide lunch for the day.
Lunch is provided, whichever ticket you purchase for the day. All dietary requirements that you state in your registration form will be catered for. Café Mannoppello will be serving hot drinks and snacks throughout the day, and there will be a complimentary hot drinks station. Please note that dinner is not part of the timetable.
Most importantly, an open heart to receive what the Lord has in store for you. Other than that, we recommend that you bring a water bottle.
The Guild of Our Lady of Ransom enables parishes, ministries and individuals to promote the Catholic faith in England & Wales. It gives grants to parishes and missionary initiatives, connects evangelists and innovators and shares the good news from around the Church today.
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about the event, or need assistance with registration, we're here to help. Feel free to reach out to our team via the contact form below.
We're committed to ensuring that you have the best experience possible and look forward to connecting with you!
