Holy Ground

Marianna Connolly
The Minister

Marianna’s life-long interest in world religions and the spiritual life culminated with her ordination as an interfaith minister at the New Seminary in NYC in 1998. She also has a Master’s Degree in teaching, has worked as an astrologer for 20 years, and has trained in various healing modalities. Since the early 1990’s she has facilitated ‘A Course in Miracles’ groups in Northampton, MA. Marianna’s work focuses on integrating a broad range of interconnecting fields -- world religions, contemplative practices, ‘A Course in Miracles’, psychology, astrology, mythology, counseling and interfaith dialogue.

Marianna was born and raised in Germany where she received an MAT at the University of Bonn in 1970. She has been married to John Connolly, professor at Smith College, for nearly 40 years. They have two grown daughters. Her major spiritual influences have been the mystical teachings of Christianity and Buddhism, and, most transformative, 'A Course in Miracles' whose teachings have remained the core of her spiritual practice.

Personal Statement

My primary interfaith passion is the contemplative path of the mystical life which connects people of all religious traditions and walks of life. ‘There is no separation.’ (ACIM) ‘All things are empty.’ (Dalai Lama). Practicing emptiness, impermanence, oneness is the simple and arduous journey of awakening the mind through continuous forgiveness. For me, this mindfulness practice is the only stable bridge to inner peace, wholesome community and oneness. And I can’t imagine this journey without the ongoing support of a spiritual community, helping me to inspire and nurture my inter-personal journey. Conscious living and working with community is a joyous and natural extension of the spiritual path I am committed to.

I see in all teachings, symbols, experiences and events an invitation to explore
the deeper meaning of our life as a path of holy relationship.
Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Sufism, Poetry, Nature, the Seasons, our Daily Lives --
all ‘traditions’ are welcome at the table because all things foster understanding and the resurrection of our mind.

Counseling and Astrology Practice

I offer counseling, in person and via telephone. My special expertise is interpreting a person’s astrological chart, a service I have offered for almost two decades. A birth chart
is an amazing psychological and spiritual tool that helps us gain deep insight into a person’s journey. This inner map reading can be enormously useful when we go through challenging periods. My astrological approach is insight-oriented rather than predictive.
Please contact me for more information.

Please feel free to Contact: Reverend Marianna Connolly, O'Neil Road, Haydenville, MA 01039	phone: 413-268-0252
	mariannakc@verizon.net