“In the beginning, grace usually hides itself from our perception, though it is already present in the depth of the intellect. Later it reveals itself little by little, warming the heart as it purifies it.”
This year’s Monte Oliveto retreat offers what in our world today is a rare and wonderful opportunity to discover and live in peace in deep silence.
Held in the hospitable friendship of Fr Laurence’s monastic community and immersed in the contemplative presence of a place bathed in contemplative energy, retreatants go gently into deeper and sustained stillness.
There will be eight periods of meditation together, contemplative walking with good, healthy meals in convivial silence. Each participant meets with their mentor-guide daily and shares in a simple contemplative Eucharist in late afternoon. Fr Laurence will guide the retreat and give a short teaching each morning after breakfast.
The common experience is one of ‘coming home’, supported in friendship and unity, often with a gentle breakthrough into a new stage of one’s journey.
If you feel drawn to this week of silence, stillness and communion, please fill the form replying to the questions. We will respond quickly.
Frequent meditation, a simple eucharist, a short daily meeting with your guide, natural beauty, healthy and delicious Italian food and the friendship of the monastic community beside us – all these elements support and enrich this week’s experience. And be prepared to be surprised by how mind, body and feelings can calm and simplify.
Please note:
- participants will practice ‘digital silence’ also – free from phones and media. There will be a number for family to contact in case of need.
- it is recommended to arrive the day before the retreat starts in order to start the retreat calmly, adapt to the environment and get to know your fellow retreatants
- if you have any questions please let us know
Speaker
Leader
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Laurence Freeman OSB
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Laurence Freeman OSB is a Benedictine monk of the Monastery of S. Maria del Pilastrello, Lendinara, Italy, in the Benedictine Congregation of Monte Oliveto. He is Director of Bonnevaux and of The World Community for Christian Meditation.
About Monte Oliveto
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 Freeman’s 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 life’s work and journey.
Accomodation
| Single room with ensuite bathroom without bus transfer | €1535 |
| Single room with ensuite bathroom and bus transfer (10 October only) | €1590 |
| Single room with ensuite bathroom and bus transfer (18 October only) | €1590 |
| Single room with ensuite bathroom and bus transfer Florence-Monte Oliveto-Florence | €1630 |
Schedule
The day is made up of:
- 8 periods of meditation interwoven with contemplative walking,
- a short morning teaching by Fr Laurence
- a one-to-one meeting with one of the leaders of the retreat
- meals together in silence
- personal time for rest or exercise
- Compline (evening prayer) with the monks to close the day and prepare for sleep
If you have followed one of our ‘intensive silent retreats’ before, you will know the energising and expanding peace this gentle and deep rhythm shared with fellow-practitioners can bring. The mature and mellow wisdom of the Benedictine rhythm of life works gently and powerfully to lead you to a new level of interiority.
Arrival and Departure Dates
Arrival on Saturday 10th of October, no later than 17:00.
Departure on Sunday 18th October after breakfast.
For any late arrivals or if you plan to arrive before Saturday 10th October and/or leave after Sunday 18th October please contact us via monteoliveto@wccm.org
Travel
We strongly recommend that participants take the bus departing from Florence Airport on Saturday, 10 October at 14:00. Participants should make their own arrangements to either travel to Florence Airport and meet the bus, or travel independently to Monte Oliveto, arriving before 17:00.
The nearest train stations to Monte Oliveto Maggiore are Asciano-Monte Oliveto or Buonconvento. You will need a taxi from either of these towns to Monte Oliveto Maggiore. Information about taxis will be sent to participants with confirmation of their registration.
How to Apply
Cancellation
Policy
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise that prevent participation in our events and retreats. To ensure fairness and clarity, please review our reimbursement policy below:
1 Cancellation by Participant
- Up to 60 days: full refund
- 59 – 31 days: 50% cancellation fees
- 30 – 0 days: 100% cancellation fees
An additional operational fee of 5% will be charged for any refund or cancellation.
2 Cancellation by Organizer
In the unlikely event that the organizer must cancel or postpone the retreat, participants will receive a full reimbursement of all fees paid. The organizer cannot be held responsible for any disrupted travel arrangements or any additional costs such as off-site accommodation.
3 Method of Reimbursement
Approved reimbursements will be issued to the original payment method within 14 business days of cancellation approval.
4 Travel Insurance
We strongly advise all participants to obtain travel insurance to cover unexpected situations such as illness and injury, family and personal emergencies, travel disruptions, event cancellations or other unforeseen situations. This provides peace of mind and protection against expenses outside the scope of this reimbursement policy.
For insurance claims, we can provide participants with an official certificate of paid contribution and non-attendance. Please email us at monteoliveto@wccm.org to request this documentation.
Gallery
Images by Alan Frijns from Pixabay , by Andy Hay from Flickr , by Antonella Galardi from Flickr