Maria DiBello, RSM is a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Her experience includes adult faith formation, pastoral ministry, spiritual direction, and retreat ministry. She also has experience in elementary and secondary education. For many years, Maria provided pastoral leadership in a rural Southern community that was socioeconomically and culturally diverse. At Cranaleith, she offers spiritual accompaniment and serves on the staff of the Spiritual Direction Formation program. She facilitates individual and group retreats and days of staff renewal for nonprofits with a particular focus on Cranaleith’s mission to welcome those on the margins of society and those who serve them.
Maria holds a masters degree in religious studies from Villanova University, as well as certificates in spiritual direction from the Vincentian Center for Church and Society (VCCS) at St. John’s University and in pastoral Spanish from the MAAC. She serves on the Faith and Spiritual Affairs Committee of the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS).
Events with Maria DiBello, RSM
Spiritual Direction InterestOpen Dates
Is this all there is? What does it all mean? How do I draw closer to God? Individuals who are trying to make sense of a life experience or yearn for a deeper relationship with God may seek the assistance of a spiritual director. The work of the spiritual director…
Individual Virtual Directed RetreatOpen Dates
Stay at home or hang out in the mountains or at the beach in solitude, silence, and prayer. Then, log in once/day on Zoom to meet with one of our experienced Spiritual Directors. This spiritual director or companion will give direction to your reflection based on your needs coming into…
Solitude Day (self-catered)Open Dates
This registration is for a single onsite day retreat at Cranaleith. You will have access to a private room as well as the beautiful grounds of Cranaleith. The retreatant remains in solitude and chooses what to do/reflect on during the retreat time. You may wish to focus on Scripture or…
Individual Directed Retreat (self-catered)Flexible Dates
A limited number of spaces are available each week for individuals who wish to stay at Cranaleith for a personal retreat of 1-5 nights. Retreat time at Cranaleith is an invitation to solitude, silence, and prayer. You may choose to spend this time with Scripture or a spiritual book, to…
Evenings of Contemplative Prayer (virtual)September 8, 2025 - May 18, 2026
Join us for a simple time of quiet presence to the merciful heart of the Spirit within us and within our broken/blessed world. We will share the gift of silence with a guided invitation to prayer, and the availability of supportive practices. Program is held weekly. You can attend…
Wednesday Contemplative Prayer at Noon (virtual)February 25 - June 4, 2026
Join us as we pray in solidarity with the Interfaith Prayer Vigils for Immigrant Justice that are being held at the ICE Office in Philadelphia. This will be a simple time of quiet presence to the merciful heart of the Spirit within us and within our broken/blessed world. We will share…
Toll the Bell DayJune 5, 2026
Join us as we “Toll the Bell”–A Call for Peace and Remembrance We invite you to stand with us on Friday, June 5th as part of Penn Live Arts annual Toll the Bell, a city-wide sound installation honoring the memories of those lost to gun violence and raising awareness of…
7-Day Directed Silent Retreat 2026July 24 - 31, 2026
In sustained stillness, silt has time to settle and the water becomes clear. Rest can mend the tired mind and weary bones. Like Elijah, you can at last hear God in the still, small whisper. Knowing that others are around you, also in silence, provides a sustaining community. You are…