As the human family struggles out of the pandemic, still dealing with the environmental emergency, we all need renewal. New hope, new vision, new faith in humanity itself. As we try to find this new direction, the invitation â the command of Jesus â to âdwell in my loveâ throws us a lifeline. It is a challenge and maybe offers us more hope than we are prepared for. But the wisdom of meditation, its simplicity and gentleness, prepares us to live again in the new way that the gospel path reveals.
This retreat offers an opportunity to refresh and renew ourselves, with friends who are also intrigued to know what dwelling in the love of the Trinity may mean. The silence and beauty of this place of contemplation; good simple food; yoga; teaching; and closeness to the monks of Monte Oliveto offer a wonderful combination to reset and revive our love of lifeâs wonder.
The Monte Oliveto Retreat
Situated on a rise, among cypresses, overlooking the beautiful, natural landscape of the Sienese hills, the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is the Mother House of Laurence Freemanâs monastic family. It is an exceptional monument to art as well as a centre of Benedictine spirituality.
The WCCM international retreat has been held in this place of beauty and peace for 30 years and leads its participants into a deeper and more peaceful place from which to continue their lifeâs work and journey.
The day is made up of times of meditation, yoga, teaching, worship, solitude and sharing. The sur- rounding countryside invites for afternoon walks and artistic creation. The spirit of silence during the day renews the spirit, while the evening meal is a time of relaxation and friendship with retreatants from different countries.
REGISTRATION
The cost of the retreat is âŹ950 for small single room (shared bathroom in corridor); âŹ1050 for large single (private bathroom in corridor); âŹ1250 large single (private bathroom in room); âŹ750 for a double room per person sharing private bathroom in room).
Please note, all costs are in Euro.
Prices reflect the costs we must meet. Do not hesitate to contact us in case you need financial assistance.
IF YOU CAN OFFER MORE TO HELP OTHERS PLEASE DO SO.
As places are limited, return your registration form as soon as possible (DOWNLOAD HERE) and wait for confirmation before making your payment.Â
Full payment must be made by April 1st. A cancellation fee of 50% of total cost is applied after May 1st. After May 30th you are liable for the full retreat fee. It is important to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover this contingency.
WHERE TO SEND YOUR PAYMENT
To simplify administrative procedures and to avoid bank charges we thank you for making a bank transfer to our euro account. PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL TO CONFIRM YOUR PAYMENT: monteoliveto@wccm.org
Bank: Barclays Bank, 83-85 Notting Hill Gate London W11 3JS
Account Name & Address: World Community for Christian Meditation, St. Marks, Myddelton Square, London EC1R 1XX
Account number: 56162877; Sort Code: 20-47-34
IBAN: GB30 BUKB 2047 3456 1628 77
SWIFTBIC: BUKBGB22
Reference: MO22 + your first and last name.
WCCM International Office â London
Tel: +44 (0) 20 72782070
e-mail: monteoliveto@wccm.org
Arrival and Departure Dates
We recommend you arrive no later than 17:00 on Saturday 25th of June so that we can meditate together and be in time for dinner.
If you are arriving late, please contact Catherine CharriĂšre on +41 78 830 3298
The retreat will end after lunch on Saturday 2nd of July.
If you plan to stay longer, before or after retreat, please organise and pay for extra days with the guest master. (Dom Lorenzo +39 3387 930708 casaospitisb@monteolivetomaggiore.it) and the restaurant (Gianfranco Giustarini +39 0577 707022).
Travel
Participants are responsible for their own travel to Monte Oliveto.
There is a good train network (all timetable information is on the web: https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html), and one can travel south from Florence, or north from Rome to either Asciano-Monte Oliveto or Buonconventoâthe local stations.
From either of these towns you can get a taxi to Monte Oliveto.
Taxi phone numbers will be provided.