This August 25–30, 2026, the Bonnevaux Centre for Peace in France invites you to a unique journey of self-discovery and interreligious connection. Led by Fr. Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam, a Camaldolese monk, musician, and the International Secretary General for Monastic Interreligious Dialogue, the retreat—”Meditation and Consciousness: An Interreligious Perspective“—will use music as a vital bridge to explore the “inner landscape of consciousness”
Music as a Bridge for Dialogue
Fr. Cyprian’s work is rooted in the “Universal Call to Contemplation,” a vision that sees music not merely as performance, but as a primary tool for interreligious dialogue. By incorporating sacred texts from a wide variety of cultures and spiritual traditions, he builds a bridge between different faiths. During his encounters, he often uses music to establish a “dialogue of life” based on our common humanity before any theological exchange begins.
A Tapestry of Sacred Texts
One of the most important aspects of Fr. Cyprian’s ministry is his ability to weave together the wisdom of many traditions into a single harmonic experience. Attendees at the Bonnevaux retreat will experience how he uses diverse sacred words to foster respect:
People Of the Book
Fr. Cyprian chants Surah 3:64 of the Qur’an in Arabic, showing deep respect by performing sacred words in their original tongue:
The Ground We Share
This song quotes Surah 17 of the Qur’an alongside the Psalms and the Book of Revelation, reminding listeners of the shared sacredness of our world.
Compassionate and Wise
This composition blends a Hindu mantra (the mahamytrumjaya) with a Buddhist dedication of merit.
Fr. Cyprian believes that music helps participants move into the “dialogue of religious experience”. In recent “Peace Council” meetings in Rome, he integrated music into lectio divina sessions where texts were chanted in their original Hebrew, Arabic, and Chinese. This practice allows participants to remain rooted in their own traditions while remaining open to the truths revealed through others. Music also serves as a medium for spontaneous, shared joy. In Kenya, Fr. Cyprian taught the ostinato of “Streams of Living Water” to Benedictine sisters, who immediately added spontaneous harmonies in a traditional African choral style—an experience that moved and fascinated Muslim observers
The Retreat Experience
Set in Bonnevaux, France, the retreat will follow the daily rhythm of the Community, including:
- Daily meditation sessions and teaching by Fr. Cyprian
- Movement through yoga, stretching, and breathing exercises
- Contemplative Eucharist integrated with interreligious wisdom
Meditation and Consciousness:
an Interreligious Perspective
Bonnevaux, France | Date: August 25 – 30, 2026
