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Bonnevaux Centre for Peace

Watch the videos from The Inter-Contemplative Series

A Contemplative Path Through The Crisis

Many things, good or bad, nourishing or destructive, true or false can bring us closer together. The global health emergency is doing it by reminding us, as the environmental emergency should, of the reality that we are a single family; we share a beautiful home; our differences are really interesting not threatening; and we need to learn how to share better and to live in a more joyful way. This crisis can bring us together for the sake of goodness, for new depth of wisdom and kindness. It is not all about fear.

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Watch the talks of Inter-Contemplative Dialogues, with Alan Wallace, Eva Natanya and Laurence Freeman

Renovations for Retreat and Conference Center at Bonnevaux Center for Peace, Poitiers France

Retreat & Conference Centre

The Retreat Centre (opening in the end of 2020) can host up to 39 guests. The Meditatio Conference Centre is a multipurpose facility for up to 200.

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Small Group Retreat at Bonnevaux Center for Peace

Programme

The programme highlights the contemplative dimension of modern life and society. In addition to meditation retreats, we host conferences and seminars with both a spiritual and professional focus. All of these events take place within the rhythm of daily meditation and the community’s life.

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The Abbaye is home for the resident community receiving guests, meditation, community life, silence

Community

The central house is home to a residential community living in the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict. The core community includes oblates, other residents and long-term guests. The daily round, built on the monastic rhythm of prayer, work and study; hospitality; and care for others; is the quiet heart of life at Bonnevaux.

Meet the Community

Help Us to Achieve our Vision

Your donation, large or small, makes a big difference. We operate through the spiritual and financial gifts of generous supporters like you.

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Testimonials

Taynã Malaspina Oblate Coordinator, Brazil

Taynã Malaspina

Oblate Coordinator, Brazil

“Being in Bonnevaux, in this physical space, for a few days with people from around the world was so beautiful. We meditated together, studied the Rule of St Benedict, we had a “Desert Day” with a deep communion through silence. The Spirit of St Benedict lives in this place and I am deeply grateful with this experience.”

Richard Rohr OFM

Founder of Center for Action and Contemplation

“I fully congratulate the World Community for embarking on the project of this new center for its whole community and for all who are seeking depth and peace. It is a truly beautiful place and I am sure it will communicate the beauty of the peace of contemplation.”

Silvia Dozzo

Meditator from Italy

I spent a week in Bonnevaux in August 2019. I took part in the Nordic Watercolours and Meditation Retreat. It was a week full of colours, meditation and nature. I would recommend it to anyone. I’d also tell them to treasure and feel that sense of peace and fullness that comes from meditation on their way back from Bonnevaux.

Visit Bonnevaux

Bonnevaux is located outside of Poitiers. We are a renovated, secluded abbey in the French countryside. Only a 90 minute train ride from Paris or a quick 20 minute drive from the nearby airport, Bonnevaux is perfectly situated where convenience and seclusion meet.

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