Father Francis Tiso
Father Francis Tiso holds the A.B. in Medieval Studies from Cornell University, a Master of Divinity degree (cum laude) from Harvard University and a doctorate from Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary where his specialization was Buddhist studies. Fr. Tiso translated several early biographies of the Tibetan yogi and poet, Milarepa and has led research expeditions in South Asia, Tibet and the Far East. His teaching interests include Christian theology, history of religions, spirituality, ecumenism and interreligious dialogue.
Father Tiso was Associate Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2004 to 2009, where he served as liaison to Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, the Sikhs, and the Reformed (Calvinist) Churches. Since 1988, Father Tiso has been a priest of the Diocese of Isernia-Venafro, Italy, where he now serves as chaplain to the migrant communities in the Province of Isernia. Father Tiso is the author of Liberation in One Lifetime (2014) and Rainbow Body and Resurrection (2016). He is the recipient of grants from the American Academy of Religion, the American Philosophical Society, the Palmers Fund in Switzerland, and the Institute of Noetic Sciences in Petaluma, CA.
Events with Father Francis Tiso
Silent Dzogchen Practice Retreat & 2025 Fall Retreat: Being Present to the Moment of DeathSeptember 30 - October 12, 2025
Join Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche at Serenity Ridge for both a silent retreat and the annual Fall Retreat/Dialogues, “Being Present to the Moment of Death” from September 30, 2025 to October 12, 2025. Two nights stay at no charge when registering for both events together. Silent Dzogchen Practice Retreat: September 30–October 5, 2025 Silence is a powerful tool. Sitting in stillness and resting in silence, the mind can grow more calm and our awareness more luminous. Silence helps us to open the heart and let go of the stresses of daily life. It is not always an easy practice, but it is a powerful tool for personal transformation and expanded awareness. Come join Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche for his first silent retreat in many years! He will support us in finding a deep connection to our inner stillness, silence and spaciousness. This is not a strictly silent retreat. Once per day Rinpoche will provide instruction and there will be opportunities to ask questions about practice, and there will be time for connecting with other retreatants on the last day. The rest of our time in and out of the meditation hall will be spent in noble silence. We offer free lodging on…
2025 Fall Retreat: Being Present to the Moment of DeathOctober 7 - 12, 2025
The 2025 Fall Retreat & Serenity Ridge Dialogues with Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche & Special Guests For those on a spiritual path, moments of transition provide potent opportunities for self-transformation, and no transition more than the moment of death! Join us in a discovery of spiritual practices that help prepare for the moment of death and that can support others in their time of dying. Our mornings teachings and practice are with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, who will guide us in the practice of Powa, the transference of consciousness at the moment of death. In the afternoons are talks, conversation and guided practices providing a broad perspective on the process and moment of dying from different perspectives and traditions. Dr. Leslie Blackhall, Dr. Nikki Mirghafori, and Father Francis Tiso are presenters at this year’s Dialogues. One of the defining aspects of this event is the opportunity to join in as our presenters andTenzin Wangyal Rinpoche engage in conversation around topics close to their own hearts and practice, participating in the conversations through active Q&A sessions. All practices are taught in a way suitable to any level of experience. All are welcome to join! We offer free lodging on Sunday and Monday…
ONLINE 2025 Fall Retreat: Being Present to the Moment of DeathOctober 7 - 12, 2025
The 2025 Fall Retreat & Serenity Ridge Dialogues with Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche & Special Guests For those on a spiritual path, moments of transition provide potent opportunities for self-transformation, and no transition more than the moment of death! Join us in a discovery of spiritual practices that help prepare for the moment of death and that can support others in their time of dying. Our mornings teachings and practice are with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, who will guide us in the practice of Powa, the transference of consciousness at the moment of death. In the afternoons are talks, conversation and guided practices providing a broad perspective on the process and moment of dying from different perspectives and traditions. Dr. Leslie Blackhall, Dr. Nikki Mirghafori, and Father Francis Tiso are presenters at this year’s Dialogues. One of the defining aspects of this event is the opportunity to join in as our presenters and Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche engage in conversation around topics close to their own hearts and practice, participating in the conversations through active Q&A sessions. All practices are taught in a way suitable to any level of experience. All are welcome to join! Schedule – New York Time Link…