Finding Ways to Strengthen Hope and Courage

Originally from East Africa of Indian parents, Sister Manda began her spiritual studies in London in 1981 when she joined the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. Manda is a truly cross-cultural person and her experience of both eastern and western cultures have helped in building bridges between people of all backgrounds and cultures In 1993 Manda became the Director of the Global Retreat Centre near Oxford, one of UK’s most popular retreat venues, hosting numerous national and international seminars and training sessions. Manda travels internationally, a highly gifted speaker on values and spiritual development with a warm and engaging personality.

Elaine is the co-founder and Chief Executive of the Monastery of St Francis & Gorton Trust.
With a corporate background in the food industry and almost 25 years’ experience of working on this sacred site, Elaine has raised over £11 million in grants to save Gorton Monastery and establish the Trust’s heritage, healing, education, cultural, spiritual and community work here in Manchester.
Elaine’s personal journey and Monastery experiences have led to other healing, advisory and consultancy roles on many other heritage and regeneration projects with churches and cathedrals at risk. This included a 5-year term of appointment as Chair of the Manchester Cathedral Council.
The Monastery has created permanent education, training, health, wellbeing and community facilities here on this powerful sacred site in readiness to serve its highest possible purpose as a Modern Day Monastery, an alternative University and a Healing Sanctuary for Humanity.