Democracy is too important to leave just to politicians. However imperfectly, democracy more than any other kind of government creates the conditions allowing humanity to reach its full potential. We all have to transcend personal interests in order to live in a democratic society and accept responsibility for our own freedom and future. It is also part of our spirituality because democracy is an ongoing conversation that demands truth, other-centredness and serves justice.
Like human beings themselves, democracy is flawed, yet resilient and capable of self-improvement. So, its connection with the gospel values of equality and compassion calls for our attention as meditators who work for inner and outer peace. Everyone benefits from the external peace necessary for us to grow and flourish with our gifts and expand our capacity for love. Today, as peace and democracy are under intense pressure, the meditator who knows the source of inner peace has a special call to support, heal and affirm our democracies today.
This year’s John Main Seminar will be led by a rare kind of politician – respected and admired by all parts of the global spectrum – who has devoted his life to the democratic process: Herman van Rompuy. Herman has gained a unique knowledge of the world, its cultures, virtues and vices. His life has also been a spiritual journey, grounded in faith and leading him to a daily practice of meditation and to sharing in the mission of our community. Herman has been happily married for 45 years and has a family of 4 children and 9 grandchildren.
Simultaneous Translation
Please note that this event will be simultaneously translated into Dutch (JMS online only)
John Main Seminar
Thursday, 17 – Sunday, 20 November
Because Herman believes that ‘conversation is the life-blood of democracy’ he will lead the Seminar in a responsive conversation with other meditators representing different ages and cultures in our community. A diverse group of younger meditators will engage with him as will a group of women and men from different backgrounds who share a conviction that meditation does make a difference – to the meditator and to the world we love and live in.
The talks and responses will explore:
- Democracy, values and meditation
- Global rivals: the Cold War between Democracy and Despotism
- Defending and supporting democracy in times of rising populism
- Government of the People by the People for the People: what changes are needed?
Herman Van Rompuy
Herman van Rompuy is a Belgian politician who served as Prime Minister of Belgium and later as the first permanent President of the European Council, 2009 to 2014. He is acknowledged as a seasoned statesman of stature and wisdom. He also contributes from his contemplative experience in regular talks to his fellow meditators in the WCCM.
Taynã Malaspina
Taynã Malaspina, from Brazil, is WCCM Director of Meditatio for Young Adults. She and other younger members of the community will be part of this conversation with Herman.
Jenny Scott
Jenny Scott, a leading communications expert, will be the chairperson for these hope-filled and energising days
Jane Mellett
Jane Mellett lives in Dublin, Ireland and is the Laudato Si’ Officer with Tròcaire (the overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland). Prior to this, Jane was a parish pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Dublin serving in parish ministry for many years. A graduate of St. Patrick’s College Maynooth, Jane holds a Masters Degree in Theology (specializing in New Testament Scripture) as well as a Masters in International Development from Kimmage Development Studies Centre, Dublin.
Suzana Moreira
Suzana Moreira,from Brazil, is Master in Theology (PUC-Rio) and Coordinator of Eco-conversion Programs in the Laudato Si' Movement. She holds a master's degree in Systematic-Pastoral Theology and a bachelor's degree in Theology from PUC-Rio.
Our Conversation is in Heaven
Pre-seminar Retreat led by Laurence Freeman
Monday, 14 – Thursday, 17 November
Participation in the retreat requires participation in the seminar which follows the retreat.
In preparation for the seminar this on-line version of the retreat led by Laurence Freeman and Giovanni Felicioni, offers you the opportunity to tune into the contemplative rhythm of life at Bonnevaux. Please click to visit the page “how to create your own retreat” and use the available resources while following the talks by Laurence and the discussion groups live at Bonnevaux. For yoga with Giovanni please see the resource page mentioned above. Remember it is important that you meditate at least twice a day during your retreat and that you take time for silence, solitude and resting in nature.
There is a thin veil between the material and the mystical – maybe none. Love unifies everything: meditation is the work of love and contemplation is the overflowing fullness of the fullness of love. So, how we live together, how we converse is shaped by the depth of our prayer.
Authentic spirituality is not `above` justice or human suffering. Spiritual truth is reflected in the gritty realities of the world whether it is honoured or denied. Feelings and relationships are part of our spiritual path but so too are social and political responsibilities. We are a single body, embodied in Christ.
The old translation of St Paul`s phrase `our conversation is in heaven` sounds strange to us today. But reflect how our search for a peaceful world requires the recovery of the lost art of conversation – and we may see the link between silence and this fundamental value of civilisation.
Laurence Freeman
Laurence Freeman is a monk of the Benedictine Congregation of Monte Oliveto. He is the Director of Bonnevaux and of The World Community for Christian Meditation.
Giovanni Felicioni
Giovanni (Bonnevaux Associate Director) has been a part of the WCCM since the beginning, being involved in its official foundation in 1991. He is an Oblate, a certified Advanced Rolfer™, a Rolf Movement™ practitioner and Yoga Teacher.
John Main Seminar Schedule
Thursday, 17 November
20:30 Welcome and Orientation for John Main Seminar
Friday, 18 November
9:45 – 10:45 Talk and Discussion with Herman van Rompuy
11:20 – 12:00 Break-out groups
15:00 – 16:00 Talk and Discussion with Herman Van Rompuy
16:30 – 17:30 Respondents in conversation with Herman Van Rompuy
20:30 – 21:30 WCCM Annual General Meeting all welcome
Saturday, 19 November
9:45 – 10:45 Talk and Discussion with Herman van Rompuy
11:20 – 12:00 Break-out groups
15:00 – 16:00 Talk and Discussion with Herman Van Rompuy
16:30 – 17:30 Respondents in conversation with Herman Van Rompuy
Sunday, 20 November
10:00 – 11:00 Plenary Session
12:00 Contemplative Eucharist with homily by Herman Van Rompuy
This event is held online. Registrations give 1 year access to recordings.
Translation into Dutch will be available for the John Main Seminar only. (Programma en inschrijving )
