Maria DiBello, RSM

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).

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Upcoming Programs by Maria DiBello, RSM

Individual Virtual Directed Retreat

Also Mary Trainer, RSM and Bernadette Rudolph

Open Dates
Stay at home or bring your retreat experience to the beach, mountains or wherever you are!

Solitude Day (self-catered)

Also Bernadette Rudolph, Mary Trainer, RSM and Margie Winters

Open Dates
Seeking a hermitage experience? This retreat allows you to be by yourself throughout your stay and do your own cooking. Let Cranaleith's warmth and beauty provide a renewing space for you!

Individual Directed Retreat (self-catered)

Also Mary Trainer, RSM, Bernadette Rudolph and Margie Winters

Flexible Dates
For some, retreat time includes the joys of cooking for oneself! The beauty, rest and solitude of Cranaleith await you. Meet daily with a spiritual director during your stay.

Evenings of Contemplative Prayer (virtual)

September 8, 2025 - May 18, 2026
A simple time of quiet presence to the merciful heart of God within us and within our broken/blessed world

Mercy as a Path of Hope: Celebrate Mercy Day at Cranaleith!

Also Mary Trainer, RSM and Margie Winters

September 24, 2025
Join us as we gather at Cranaleith to celebrate Mercy Day, honoring the legacy of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy. During our gathering, we will pray together and share stories of Mercy’s rich history in Ireland, the United States, right here at Cranaleith and in our lives.

Discovering our Soul: A Retreat Day for Women Veterans 

November 15, 2025
Creation in November offers us the muted colors of acceptance and surrender.  The trees intensify their witness of “letting go,” and invite us to do the same.  As we reflect on the gifts of the journey, we reverence both the losses that have transformed us and the abundant harvest we have known. 

An Advent Contemplative Morning: Mary’s Song ~ A Cry of Hope and Resilience 

December 10, 2025
 In the noisy hostility of our world’s chaos, come, rest in the silent wonder that unleashed Mary’s beautiful, prophetic song.  On this simple morning of prayerful pondering, we will enter Mary’s heart.  We will bring the surprise and unknown, the joy and ambiguity of our own hearts.  Scripture, music and image will hold us in the quiet.