Religion & Spirituality
Summer Institute 2026 | Mysticism, Soul, and Psyche
Monday | June 15, 2026 | 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday | June 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday | June 17, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
IN PERSON: Oblate School of Theology, Whitley Event Center
285 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, TX 78216
ONLINE: Zoom
Oblate School of Theology invites you to the 2026 Summer Institute, a three-day theological and spiritual gathering exploring the intersections of mysticism, soul, and psyche—and how renewed attention to these dimensions can deepen Christian spirituality and contemporary psychological insight.
This year’s theme, Mysticism, Soul, and Psyche, invites participants to rediscover the ancient languages through which human beings have named their experiences of God, desire, meaning, and transformation. Drawing from philosophy, depth psychology, and the Christian mystical tradition, the Institute will consider how listening to the soul opens pathways of healing, integration, and contemplative wisdom for the 21st century.
Our featured keynote speaker, Dr. Peter Tyler, internationally respected scholar of spirituality and practicing psychotherapist, will offer three keynote presentations exploring:
(1) the relationship between mythos, logos, and psyche,
(2) the transformative yet elusive nature of mysticism, and
(3) the renewed place of the soul in contemporary spiritual and psychological practice—culminating in what he calls a “mystical therapy” for today.
Additional keynote and breakout presenters from the Oblate community and the San Antonio area will deepen the conversation, bringing perspectives from theology, pastoral ministry, and clinical practice. Together, they will illuminate how biblical imagination, contemplative tradition, and mental health care intersect in lived experience.
Throughout the Institute, participants will engage in breakout sessions, processing groups, and guided conversations—integrating psychological insight and spiritual wisdom into their personal lives and ministry.
Whether you are a pastor, educator, counselor, spiritual director, minister, or seeker, the 2026 Summer Institute offers a space for serious reflection and renewed encounter—where mysticism, soul, and psyche speak to the deeper longings of our time.
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We are pleased to offer a high-quality boxed lunch meal package from a local restaurant. The package conveniently includes a fresh boxed lunch for Day 2 and Day 3. Meals will be served with care to ensure an enjoyable dining experience for all.
Please note: A meatless option is available. We will not be able to accommodate additional dietary restrictions.
Complimentary coffee will be available to all participants.
Complimentary General Admission tickets are available for this event. Meal tickets must be purchased separately. Please contact the Continuing Education Program Coordinator for the Promo Code at (210) 341-1366 x 206 or email Veronica Montalvo at vmontalvo@ost.edu.
Dr. Peter Tyler is Professor of Pastoral Theology and Spirituality at St Mary’s University, London, the UK’s largest Catholic university. A practicing psychotherapist, he has devoted his scholarly and pastoral career to exploring the dynamic relationship between psychology and spirituality, particularly within the Christian mystical tradition.
His research focuses on mysticism, depth psychology, soul-making, and the integration of faith and therapeutic practice. He is the author of several influential works, including The Pursuit of the Soul: Psychoanalysis, Soul-making and the Christian Tradition (T&T Clark, 2016) and Christian Mindfulness: Theology and Practice (Canterbury-SCM, 2018).
A long-time friend and lecturer at the Oblate School of Theology, Professor Tyler is known for his ability to bridge theology, pastoral practice, and psychological insight in ways that are both intellectually rigorous and pastorally grounded. He is delighted to return as keynote speaker for the 2026 Summer Institute.
Doug Beach is a mental health advocate and leader deeply committed to strengthening support systems for individuals and families impacted by mental illness. The parent of an adult son living with a mental health diagnosis, Doug brings both personal experience and professional leadership to his work.
He serves as Executive Director of NAMI San Antonio, is a certified NAMI Family-to-Family Instructor, and leads a Family Support Group for families navigating mental health challenges. In 2016, he helped launch Pathways to Hope, a regional conference that brings together mental health professionals, educators, law enforcement, faith leaders, families, and individuals living with mental illness.
Doug chairs NAMI FaithNet, a national advisory group supporting outreach to faith communities, and serves in numerous leadership roles, including on the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Community Advisory Committee of the Center for Health Care Services (San Antonio’s LMHA), and the Bexar County Task Force on Mental Health and Criminal Justice.
Through his advocacy, Doug works to build collaborative bridges between clinical care, public policy, and faith communities.
Ron Rolheiser, OMI is a Roman Catholic priest, member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and served as president of Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas for the fifteen years before retiring from that position in September 2020. He remains a fulltime faculty member at OST. Rolheiser is a theologian, professor, and award-winning author. Apart from his academic knowledge in systematic theology and philosophy, he has become a popular speaker in contemporary spirituality and religion and the secular world. He writes a weekly column that is carried in many newspapers around the world. He is a popular speaker in the areas of contemporary spirituality and religion and the secular world. For more information about Ron and his books visit his website at www.ronrolheiser.com
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Fr. Daniel Renaud, OMI, is a religious priest with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate of the US province. Fr. Renaud is an adjunct faculty at the Oblate School of Theology (OST) in San Antonio, Texas.
Fr. Renaud has degrees and training in drama education, theology, pastoral ministry, and psychodrama. He is a Certified Spiritual Director from Creighton University and a Certified Dreamwork Facilitator from The Haden Institute.
Fr. Daniel is a member of Spiritual Directors International (SDI) and a member of the International Association for the Study of Dreams (IASD). He has preached retreats to priests, deacons, and religious and laypeople in Canada, the US, and Asia on various topics such as desire and spiritual intimacy, 12 steps recovery, Ignatian spirituality & Jungian psychology, a spirituality of priesthood, and the Trinity.
His areas of interest are resilience and trauma recovery, dreamwork and spiritual growth, contemplative practices, and mysticism. He is writing a book on dreams and visions as a mystical theatre inspired by God, the divine playwright.
Rev. Jessica N. Bass is an ordained minister, licensed clinical social worker, and founder of Day of Birth Counseling and Consulting. A native of Stamford, Connecticut, she holds a B.A. in English from Spelman College and dual master’s degrees: a Master of Divinity from Yale University (Pastoral Care and Counseling) and a Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut (Clinical Casework).
Licensed in both Connecticut and Texas, Rev. Jessica integrates pastoral care and psychotherapy in her work as a clinician, preacher, and spiritual leader. She currently serves as Director of Pastoral Care and Counseling at New Creation Christian Fellowship in San Antonio and has also worked as a hospice chaplain with CHRISTUS Home Health Care.
Passionate about holistic healing, Rev. Jessica is especially committed to supporting those impacted by trauma, grief, and life transitions. Her ministry bridges spiritual formation and clinical practice, offering a compassionate, faith-rooted path toward emotional and spiritual wholeness. For more information about Rev. Jessica, please visit: www.dayofbirth.org.
Maria Hoenigman serves as Director of Outreach & Support for NAMI Greater San Antonio. Since joining NAMI in 2022, she has overseen pre-crisis programs that provide mental health education, advocacy, and community-based support designed to reduce stigma and prevent crises. She also leads initiatives that assist individuals and families at various stages of their mental health journey.
Maria’s commitment to mental health advocacy is deeply personal. She and her husband are parents of three children, including a son diagnosed with autism. Their own experience navigating services and support led them to NAMI’s Basics program, where they found community, practical tools, and renewed confidence in advocating for their family.
With more than 20 years of experience in the mental health field, Maria is especially passionate about helping families find their voice and engage in meaningful conversations about mental health, particularly within Latino and underserved communities.
She holds a B.A. in Sociology and an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University.
