Come on a Journey with us and immerse yourself once again into the world of Hobbits and wizards, and discover something new about yourself.
 Take a look at the literary masterpiece of J.R.R. Tolkien through the eyes of philosophy and faith.  In this Immersive Study at Heart Ridge, we will not only take a deeper look into the story and characters, but tie these elements into Catholic philosophy and theology.   What can we learn about the key component of our faith? What virtues can we learn from Sam?   Is is possible to live in dire circumstances with hope?  

This Immersive Study at Heart Ridge will not only challenge you intellectually, but spiritually as well.   

Study with a master teacher: Professor Joseph Pearce


ABOUT JOSEPH PEARCE     AUTHOR | PUBLISHER | EDITOR | INSTRUCTOR
​A native of England, Joseph Pearce is the internationally acclaimed author of many books, which include bestsellers such as The Quest for Shakespeare, Tolkien: Man and Myth, The Unmasking of Oscar Wilde, C. S. Lewis and The Catholic Church, Literary Converts, Wisdom and Innocence: A Life of G.K. Chesterton, Solzhenitsyn: A Soul in Exile and Old Thunder: A Life of Hilaire Belloc. His books have been published and translated into Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Croatian and Polish.
He has hosted two 13-part television series about Shakespeare on EWTN, and has also written and presented documentaries on EWTN on the Catholicism of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. His verse drama, Death Comes for the War Poets, was performed off-Broadway to critical acclaim. He has participated and lectured at a wide variety of international and literary events at major colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, Britain, Europe, Africa and South America.
Director of Book Publishing at the Augustine Institute, and editor of the St. Austin Review, series editor of the Ignatius Critical Editions, senior instructor with Homeschool Connections, and senior contributor at the Imaginative Conservative.

This Lord of the Rings Event will feature:

  • Classes with Professor Joseph Pearce
  • Stimulating conversations with other enthusiasts, as well as free time for quiet meditation or reading
  • Accommodations at Heart Ridge Retreat Center and some of these meals: Breakfast , Second Breakfast, Elevenses, .Luncheon, .Afternoon Tea, Dinner, .and Supper
  • Optional hikes through Rohan country, Rivendell,  and to the magnificent Edoras.  (Blue Ridge Mountain Version) 
  • Friendly LotR games and competitions 
  • Event officially begins at 6:00pm with our Shire Dinner on Friday, March 25, Feast of the Annunciation.   Check in between 3:00-5:30pm at Heart Ridge Retreat Center, 130 Heart Ridge Dr., Sunset, SC 29685
  • Mass will be offered on Sunday morning at the retreat center
  • Last event is Sunday afternoon Wrap Up and Questions ending at 3:00.    

Registration is open now!

(It will be the event everyone is Tolkien about.)