Using the Rule of Benedict as her guide, Judith Valente will lead the Oblates into a deeper understanding of what it means to be Benedictine, especially, in chaotic times. There is chaos in many areas of our world. Our personal lives often have challenges that lead to chaos in our lives and in our families. Where does it end? How do we live with chaos and challenges that are so unsettling?
Join Judith for this retreat and have an opportunity to step back from chaos and challenges, reflect on how our Benedictine spirituality can bring calmness and a new perspective, and how the Rule can guide us in these unsettling times.
Judith’s fee and travel are covered by donations from St. Mary Monastery, the Benet House Ministry Fund, and Oblates.
Date: Fri., June 5 - Sun., June 7.
Time: Arrival time: Fri. 4:30 pm (5 pm Vespers; 5:30 Dinner; 6:45 pm Opening of Retreat) – Sun. 1 pm.
Retreat Leader: Judith Valente.
Fee: Registration and payment by May 5: $240 (single), $210 (double), $150 (commuter). Registration and payment after May 5: $255 (single), $225 (double), $165 (commuter). The cost covers accommodation and meals.
Registration Deadline: May 25.
Judith Valente worked as a staff writer for The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal and as an on- air correspondent for national PBS-TV, Chicago Public Radio and GLT Radio, the National Public Radio affiliate in central Illinois where she lives. She is the author of two collections of poetry and five spirituality books, including How to Live: What The Rule of St. Benedict Teaches Us about Happiness, Meaning and Community, and The Art of Pausing: Meditations for the Overworked and Overwhelmed and How to Be: A Monk & A Journalist Reflect on Living & Dying, Purpose & Prayer, Friendship & Forgiveness, the latter two co-authored with Brother Paul Quenon of The Abbey of Gethsemani. She guides retreats around the country on how to live a more contemplative life in the secular world and leads an annual Benedictine Footprints contemplative, cultural, culinary pilgrimage-retreat in Italy, which offers an experience of small-town Italian life and lesser-known Benedictine sites. Her most recent book is "The Italian Soul: Savoring the Full Joys of Life,” based on what she has learned from many stays in Italy about living more joyfully and mindfully.
Judith is a friend of the St. Mary Monastery Oblates having attended and presented at the Bloomington area Oblate meetings.
Scholarship funds are available. Please inquire at registration.