Founder and Director of Tearmann Centre, Michael Rodgers returned to Ireland after twenty years missionary service to serve on his congregation’s leadership team. During this time he began to explore his own roots, a journey that led him eventually to mystical Glendalough. He spent much time exploring the valley and its story. People heard about him and began requesting accompanied walks. He found that as they walked together individual stories quite spontaneously emerged, and in the way of pilgrimage the listening ear they would receive and offer became an important part of the experience. It became apparent that there was a hunger in people for a more natural and soulful expression of spirituality, and for opportunities for the companionship of like-minded souls.
In the Spring of 1993 the old An Oige hostel was being converted by new owners into five self-contained apartments, and eventually Michael occupied them all to provide comfortable and pleasant accommodation for the many people who by this time were requesting to stay for a few days at a time. From this emerged a series of retreat experiences lasting up to six days. Nowadays people stay from one day up to extended visits of one month or more depending on availability. Anyone wishing to have a quiet time without participating in any programme is also very welcome. Tearmann can accommodate up to seven people at any one time in three self-contained apartments.
Michael offers a quiet, respectful space for people to reflect on their life and faith story in an environment that holds its own story. He encourages an experiential approach that incorporates history, legend, spirituality, Christian tradition and awareness of nature and the environment.
Michael is the co-author of the following books:
with Marcus Losack: Glendalough, A Celtic Pilgrimage. [Columba Press. 1996]
with Gill McCarthy: Glendalough, A Celtic Soul Journey. [Ciúnas Books. 2003]