I have been meditating with WCCM for over 30 years although I still consider myself a beginner and reading Laurence’s daily short messages keep me persevering. My husband and I used to live in Houston Texas, where we were introduced to WCCM and joined a weekly meditation group, also attended whatever weekend seminars we could whenever Laurence came. We also took a course on mystics in Houston. Then about 12 yrs ago we moved away to a places where there is no WCCM on site so we follow online, seminars , talks and livestream contemplative Mass.
When I heard about the Deep Silent Retreat at Monte Oliveto it appealed to me, I signed up and was warned to think about whether I was prepared for the intensity of the retreat.
While I really didn’t know what expectations to have, I went with an open mind to whatever resulted.
The retreat was deeply moving on three aspects:
- Being with Laurence and a group of committed meditators, with the short but meaningful daily talks made the flow of the retreat easy to follow, specially the 8 meditation sessions
- Being a Silent retreat of course one needs to commune with nature, and beautiful landscapes were abundant at Monte Oliveto.
- But the uniqueness of Monte Oliveto – The 14th century still standing, working monastery with the richness of history, art , tradition and feeling integrated with it was an emotional experience.
I was raised in the Catholic tradition but now I attend Mass sparingly and concentrate more on social works and meditation.Â
I so enjoyed the Compline service with the monks, hearing the Gregorian chants, visiting the cloister and abbey, was something I could get no where else.
This was a unique experience , emphasizing the importance of meditation, God’s creation our connection with the past.
Thank you for the opportunity!
Curious about experiencing meditation at a retreat?
Meditate in community, experience meditation at Bonnevaux Retreat Centre. Take a look at the retreat programme on bonnevauxwccm.org
