Embracing The Wounds: Our Witness to the World
The world challenges us to pass the Thomas Test, ” Show us the wounds and we will believe”. The spirituality of Alcoholics Anonymous opens us to God’s grace by embracing the brokenness of our wounds. We know through the experience of our brokenness that God is the one who makes all things new!
Retreat Leader
Rev. Anthony Ciorra, PhD, is a leading expert in Christian spirituality. Currently, he is Vice President for Integration, Ministry and Multi-Cultural Affairs and Professor of Theology and Catholic Studies at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. He holds graduate degrees in psychology, spirituality, and pastoral theology and earned his PhD in Historical Theology from Fordham University.
Previously, Fr. Ciorra served in leadership positions at Fordham University, the College of St. Elizabeth, and the Archdiocese of New York. His ministry includes parish work, preaching, teaching, retreats, and formation, and he is active in promoting interreligious dialogue among Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Fr. Ciorra is the author of Everyday Mysticism, Moral Formation in the Parish, Beauty: A Path to God and is currently working on a new book, Embracing the Wounds, Francis of Assisi, Living on the Margins. In recognition of his service to the Church, Pope John Paul II awarded him the pontifical honor Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in 1999. He also received the Caritas Centennial Award and the Spirit of RENEW Award in 2000.
About the Location
The DiamondHead hotel has a limited number of rooms available at the group rate of $225 per night (plus a $15 nightly resort fee) for those who wish to extend their stay before or after the retreat. These rooms are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve additional nights, please contact Colleen Richards at 248-393-8994.
Following the retreat, the Guest House Board of Trustees will hold a meeting at the hotel. You are warmly invited to attend the scheduled breakfast meeting with the Board on January 8. If you choose to extend your stay and attend this meeting, Guest House will cover your hotel stay for the night of January 7.
DiamondHead Beach Resort & Spa
Is a full-service state-of-the-art conference facility with 124 luxurious hotel suites, located right on Fort Myers Beach. The hotel off:
Free Parking Fitness Center
Private Screened Balcony In Room Safe
DiamondHead Beach Resort
2000 Estero Blvd
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
239-765-7654 | DiamondHeadFL.com
Hotel check-in time is 3 pm & check-out time is 11 am
Registration Fee
The retreat fee of $650 covers all presentations, three nights’ lodging (January 4, 5 & 6) at the DiamondHead and seven meals We are grateful to our Guest House benefactors, whose generosity helps underwrite a large portion of the retreat costs for each participant.
Closest Airport
The Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is the closest airport to the hotel. The commute from the airport to the hotel is 21 miles and approximately 40 minutes.
Shuttle Service
Comfort Transportation is a recommended service for airport transfers. To arrange your ride call 239-745-2845 before your arrival. Be sure to mention “Guest House” when booking to receive the special rate of $55 each way. This rate covers one vehicle for up to three passengers.
To secure a room, registration must be received by December 11, 2026. After December 11th, all remaining rooms will be released back to the hotel, and registration will be accepted on a room availability basis.
Questions? Contact Colleen Richards
248-393-8994 or crichards@guesthouse.org