Monastero Madonna dell'Unione de Boschi
Monastero Madonna dell'Unione de Boschi is located in the municipality of Vicoforte, in the province of Cuneo, in the Piedmont region, and belongs to the diocese of Mondovì. The welcoming community belongs to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists).
The monastery welcomes men, women and groups. It is open to anyone wishing to experience a spiritual retreat, especially those who wish to reflect on the meaning of their life and deepen their relationship with the Lord Jesus.
Retreats organized by the community
A recent Benedictine community
The monastic community was born on May 17, 1972, when three monks, Father Bernardo, Brother Daniele and Brother Basilio, left the Trappist Monastery of the Three Fountains in Rome, site of Saint Paul's martyrdom, to settle in this then isolated place, surrounded by forests, to found a new monastic community.
For several years already, the bishops of Piedmont, under the initiative of Cardinal Michele Pellegrino, Archbishop of Turin, had wished for a monastic presence in the region. The Bishop of Mondovì, Msgr. Brustia, went himself to the Three Fountains monastery to present this project to the community.
This request joined the desire of the Roman monks to lead a simpler monastic life, less marked by monumental structures. We were then in the years following the Second Vatican Council, a period during which the Trappist Order was beginning to open itself to a more fraternal and familial lifestyle.
A simple and welcoming monastery
Simplicity constitutes one of the fundamental characteristics of the Boschi community. It is expressed in the way of life as in the welcome of guests.
The monastery retains the appearance of a country house, without strict enclosure in the classical sense: although certain spaces are reserved for the monks, the whole is designed also for guests who, according to the Rule of Saint Benedict, "must be welcomed as Christ himself."
From an architectural point of view, the transformation of the old farm into a monastery took place gradually. The complex today includes:
- the church,
- the scriptorium (study place reserved for monks),
- the chapter house,
- the refectory,
- the dormitory composed of individual cells,
- the kitchen,
- the liturgy room,
- a conference room,
- the library,
- the changing rooms,
- the laundry.
A honey room is also present, beekeeping being one of the community's main resources.
Outside are a garage, a workshop, an agricultural shed, as well as vegetable gardens, orchards and vast wooded areas belonging to the monastery.
What to expect during your stay
Monastic life and spiritual guidance
The monastery does not offer organized retreats according to a predefined program.
Guests are simply invited to integrate into the daily monastic life. They may participate, if they wish, in the communal prayers and the Mass, which rhythm the day.
Participation in manual work or in the monks' activities is left to each person's free choice.
Lectio divina is lived in a personal way, but it is always possible to request a meeting with a monk for spiritual guidance or a more personal exchange.
Welcome and accommodation
The monastery has two distinct welcome areas.
Inside the monastery, five individual rooms are located on the second floor: two with private bathroom and three with shared bathroom. This configuration allows individual guests to share very directly in the monks' daily life, including meals.
Outside, less than 100 meters away, an independent wooden house welcomes families or groups, offering more autonomy while maintaining proximity to the monastery.
Geography and activities
A natural setting between beauty and harmony
The monastery is located in a hilly area, at the foot of the mountains, and enjoys a remarkable natural panorama.
It is situated on the territory of Vicoforte, known for its majestic sanctuary, while the immediate environment is predominantly wooded, with many linden and chestnut trees, as well as cultivated land.
The towns of Vicoforte and Mondovì are located less than 10 kilometers from the monastery.
A monastery near a sanctuary
The main places accessible to guests on foot or by car are:
- The Sanctuary of Vicoforte, famous for having the largest elliptical dome in Europe.
- The cathedral and the numerous historic churches of Mondovì.
- The Bossea caves, a remarkable natural site.
Many walks are possible on the surrounding trails. These paths invite silence, contemplation and meditation, in a setting conducive to the contemplation of creation.
Practical information
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