This spiritual season reminds us that living takes time. The speed and stress of today’s world can arrest our human development and block the stages of growth. Preparing for Christmas in a contemplative spirit allows us to see how the conception, birth and growth of Jesus are inner personal realities to become conscious of. In this retreat Laurence Freeman will reflect on how Christ is formed in us and suggest ways to make meditation, reading and daily incarnational practices sources of nourishment for this emerging self.
The retreat integrates into a peaceful daily rhythm these essential elements: morning, midday and evening meditation within a simple form of the Liturgy of the Hours, guided lectio divina (sacred reading), contemplative Eucharist, talks by Laurence Freeman, yoga led by Giovanni Felicioni, time for solitude in a beautiful natural setting, building spiritual friendship and opportunity for personal guidance.
On Tuesday, 6 December 2022, the retreat begins with evening prayer and mediation followed by dinner. You will receive a detailed retreat schedule at the Welcome and Orientation session following dinner. Check is between 2 and 5 during which and you will be welcomed with a refreshing tea or coffee.
Sunday morning, after morning prayer, meditation and breakfast we will have time to come together for closure, thank yous and good byes before the contemplative Eucharist at midday which we always broadcast live to the world-wide community. You can leave before or after lunch according to your travel arrangements. Please let us know in advance if you plan to leave before lunch so we can offer you a lunch box for your travel.
All our events taking place at Bonnevaux offer an opportunity to discover the rich cultural and historical French and European heritage of the 12th-century Abbaye de Bonnevaux, as well as to explore the varied and natural beauty of the land which we cultivate as a model of ecological responsibility.
ARRIVAL : 6 December, check-in : 14:00 – 17:00
DEPARTURE : 11 December, after lunch from 15:00
MEAL OPTIONS : At Bonnevaux we aim to offer a healthy cuisine for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. IMPORTANT! Leaving the option blank (in the registration form below) means you have chosen the non-vegetarian option. Please understand that we cannot change your meal plan once you are at Bonnevaux. Please be aware that food may contain some common allergens (e.g. nuts). In case of food allergy or intolerance, please contact us with a medical certificate.
500€ for the retreat and full room and board (single room)
400€ for the retreat and full room and board (shared twin room)
Cancellations
Registration
MEMBERSHIP FEE ** – 10€
Membership fee is paid once per year, valid strictly from Jan – Dec.
** by French law you must be a ‘member‘ of the charity (association ABP) Abbaye de Bonnevaux – Centre Pour la Paix in order to participate at an on-the-ground event at Bonnevaux – 86370 Marçay, France.
Membership is non-binding. It simply means that you are invited to attend the annual general meeting if you wish and that you may receive information about our events during the year.
The Abbey of Bonnevaux is the spiritual home of the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) which includes a Conference and Retreat Centre dedicated to peace. The on-the-ground activities of the Abbey are organized under the responsibility of l’Association Abbaye de Bonnevaux – Centre pour le Paix (ABP). The Association, which is governed by the French law of 1st July 1901, is registered in Poitiers under the reference RNA: W863007299.
Address : Bonnevaux, 86370 Marçay, France.
Phone number : 06 33 43 71 71 / 06 61 96 57 74.
José Pype (President of the Association); Giovanni Felicioni (Associate Director and Programme Manager)