First Positive Faith Ireland weekend at Passionist Retreat Centre

Retreatants take a stroll at the Tobar Mhuire Passionist Retreat Centre

Ten people attended a retreat for people living with and affected by HIV in Ireland last weekend May 8th-10th 2026. Sponsored by Catholics for AIDS Prevention and Support (CAPS) and held at the Tobar Mhuire Passionist Retreat Centre, Crossgar, Co Down. The Positive Faith HIV-peer-support ministry has included Irish men and women since it's foundation in 2004, but this is the first time a Positive Faith Retreat has been held in Ireland.

"It is hoped that this will lead to pastoral and spiritual support becoming more available for Christians living with HIV in Ireland" said CAPS' Director Vincent Manning who facilitated the retreat. The Positive Faith peer-support ministry includes people from all Christian traditions who meet regularly to pray together and share their experience. 18 members of the Positive Faith Manchester Community gathered at the same time for their annual retreat weekend, at The Briery Passionist Retreat House in Ilkley, Yorkshire.

CAPS Charity has strong links with the Congregation of the Passion (The Passionists). Former CAPS Trustee Fr John Sherrington CP (d. 2020) is considered a founding member of the Positive Faith ministry. "Passionist spirituality is integral to the pastoral approach we take" said Vincent Manning "People with HIV understand what it means to undergo the stigma of the Cross. Reflecting upon experience through the lens of The Passion is both meaningful and helpful as we make faith-sense of living with HIV together."

"This is so needed" said retreatant 'Fionnuala' "so many people living with HIV in Ireland are struggling and isolated". "The honesty, the trust, has been amazing" said Tyrone "for people to be able to feel at home and experience some healing."

For further information please visit: www.positivefaith.org.uk/