What is a spiritual retreat?

‍

What is a spiritual retreat?

That's the million-dollar question, which touches the heart of our project at RITRIT!

So, what is a spiritual retreat? A spiritual retreat is an experience lasting several days where you choose to take time to reflect or to pray, in a beautiful and serene place, like an abbey. That's the short answer!

But to win at Trivial Pursuit against your friends, here's a detailed answer, which will especially help you better understand the stakes around a spiritual retreat!

‍

About the word "retreat"

‍

The word "retreat" has several meanings. Let's immediately set aside the common meaning of the word, retirement, especially since spiritual retreats are aimed at people of all ages, from students to great-grandparents, including parents, young professionals, engaged couples, in short, everyone!)

A spiritual retreat is an exceptional moment, regardless of the retreatant's age! It's probably even more beneficial when you're young, at the time of your first life choices, major decisions!

‍

‍

It's even less about beating a retreat! However, the meaning of "refuge," which this term originally covered, is eloquent. Daily life and its clashes can damage us, as can the difficult events and doubts that life reserves for everyone.

In these moments of hesitation, facing the feeling of being a bit lost, or simply facing a need to escape the frantic pace of our digital century, in a pulse for authenticity, it is good, it is natural, to want to take refuge. Good news, RITRIT is here! Or rather, the abbeys are here. And it doesn't matter whether you're an atheist or a believer of another religion to go!

‍

To better understand: the significant history of spiritual retreats!

‍

People have been going on spiritual retreats for a very long time, and monasteries have been welcoming them. More than a millennium, in fact!

Concretely, Saint Benedict wrote his famous Rule in the middle of the 6th century, which still governs the life of many Benedictine monks today. Among the 73 chapters, number 53 particularly catches our attention: "All guests who present themselves will be received as Christ himself."

The assured promise of being well received, and that's an understatement! Thus, since the 530s, men and women of all ages, from all backgrounds, have decided to take time to reflect on the meaning of their lives and take time to breathe and find renewal in an extraordinary setting.

‍

‍

• Abbeys, monasteries, and spiritual centers are numerous in Europe. There's definitely one near you!
  ‍
• ‍The welcome in these magnificent places is simple and human, in the rooms of what is sometimes called the guest house.

‍

"Okay, but what do you do during a spiritual retreat at an abbey?"

‍

First of all, it's up to you: you're free! But a day in a monastery is full of meaningful propositions with many benefits (also to discover here):

• The Liturgy of the Hours structures life at the abbey, with what are called offices, that is, prayers at fixed times (Lauds, Compline, Vespers, Vigils, etc.): all retreatants are welcome, as they are at Masses! There are few things as beautiful and soothing as listening to monks chanting in Gregorian chant, in the dim light of dusk or early morning, and seeing the sunrise through the stained glass windows of a thousand-year-old church.
  ‍
• Times of reflection, alone or in groups, with a monk well-versed in many subjects, or another retreatant who wishes. You can ask a priest, also trained, questions about religion or life. But also learn about the Christian religion, from its foundations! Dialogue with God, too, why not?
  ‍
• You can leave the abbey to enjoy superb nature, far from the noise of cities, conducive to meditation, reading, walks and relaxation, or even sports!
  ‍
• Living alongside the monks also means, if you wish, taking meals with them, and thereby experiencing the surprising practice of meals in silence, where everything is communicated through eye contact to understand each other among friends, with the monks. Let's be frank, it's even very fun!

‍

‍

A particular format: preached retreats

‍

A retreat can also be preached, meaning it includes talks, short conferences and exchanges led by a monk or priest, on a particular theme throughout the stay, or varying by day. An opportunity to learn and reflect on your life, again!

A preached retreat can follow a method that has proven itself for centuries, such as that of a saint like Ignatius of Loyola, for example!

‍

‍

To conclude: it's up to you to choose where to go!

‍

You should now have understood the formula of a spiritual retreat, both concretely and in spirit. It's you, your inner self, a beautiful abbey and monks to welcome you, not forgetting precious moments of renewal, prayer, or study (revision?), resulting in many benefits.

‍If you're still curious, take a look here at other questions on the blog! Particularly, at the reasons to go on this retreat!

‍

Or already convinced?!? Book here directly and quickly for your stay at an abbey near you!

‍