Spiritual Retreat in Assisi
June 5 -8, 2025
The retreat is held in both Italian and English.
It provides a harmonious balance of Franciscan sightseeing and
personal introspection.
Among the activities offered are:
Outdoor prayer in the evocative atmosphere of Assisi
Visits to the Franciscan sites in Assisi and S. Maria degli Angeli
Participation in lectures on the mystical life
The experience of silence and guided meditation
Walks in the large park of the Domus Madonna delle Rose
Each day is structured to offer a unique experience for nurturing your soul.
Imagine praying and meditating in the same places that inspired Francis and Clare
and immersing yourself in the sacred footsteps of Assisi.
This dream can come true during the retreat from June 5th to 8th, 2025.
Embark on a spiritual journey through the heart of Franciscanism
with visits to the basilicas of St. Francis and
St. Clare, to the little church of San Damiano
and to the place where Carlo Acutis rests.
Enjoy walks in the countryside, guided meditations, periods of silence and mystical reflections.
The heart of this spiritual retreat lies in cultivating inner harmony.
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the countryside and the profound spirituality of Assisi.
Discover that true harmony originates within yourself, a transformation this retreat seeks to facilitate.
This exceptional experience is designed to rejuvenate your mind, spirit, and heart
through contemplation in the evocative settings of Assisi, the same places that inspired
Saints Francis, Clare, and countless others.
Our objective is to guide you towards a deep inner transformation
that will result in a harmonious and peaceful life.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the retreat is the sense of friendship
among the participants that you will experience.
You will meet individuals who share your perspective on spiritual life
and your common aspiration for harmony, growth, and awareness.
The friendships formed during these days will be international,
as the retreat is conducted in both Italian and English.
These unique friendships will serve as a source of inspiration and support throughout the retreat and beyond.
Our retreat in Assisi offers a unique opportunity to experience the pinnacle of spiritual life
while focusing on your inner transformation.
Due to limited availability, we strongly encourage you to reserve your place promptly.
By participating in this retreat amidst such evocative and contemplative surroundings,
you will delve into the beauty of inner life and embark on a transformative journey
that will leave youinspired, rejuvenated, and inwardly strengthened.
Seize the opportunity to dedicate four days to prayer, meditation, spiritual nourishment,
mindful walks, fostering friendships,
and cultivating silence in one of the world's most inspiring spiritual destinations.
DETAILS
The retreat's distinctive feature lies in the harmonious blend of visits to Assisi's sacred sites and dedicated personal reflection. Specifically, the retreat includes morning communal prayers (Lauds), participation in outdoor Holy Mass, visits to Franciscan landmarks and contemplative practices. All activities will be conducted in both Italian and English.
The contemplative practices include the "Lectio" of the Franciscan tradition and guided meditations. "Lectio" involves the careful reading of particularly inspired Franciscan mystical texts. Guided meditation sessions will be held both in the Domus S. Maria delle Rose and in the park. These meditations, through external and internal silence foster receptivity to Divine silence.
In keeping with the ascetic tradition of mystics, a sober diet is provided. The vegetarian menu, free of alcohol, offers an opportunity for spiritual elevation and a life of simplicity.
All in harmony
The retreat itinerary is meticulously designed to foster a harmonious balance between prayer, meditation, silence, and spiritual growth.
Each day begins with communal prayer, followed by lectures on Christian mysticism.
Ample time is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Assisi, engaging with the Friars and Poor Clares, and leisurely walks through the picturesque countryside of Assisi. The day concludes with guided meditation sessions in the evening.
Meals: sobriety and simplicity
Meals will be served in the Domus Madonna delle Rose, an evocative venue nestled within the serene park.
The choice of the menu, vegetarian and free of alcoholic beverages, is in line with an ascetic style, typical of the mystical tradition. Moreover, you will be able to experience the transformative power of sharing meals in silence.
Thursday, June 5th
15:00 -16:00 Check-in
17:00-18:00 Welcome
19:00 Vespers in the Church
19:30 Dinner
20:45 Group meditation
Friday, June 6th
07:00 Coffee/Tea
7:30 Lauds in the Church
8:00-8:45 Breakfast in silence
8:45-10:00 Silence
10:00-11:30 The Mystical Life: theory and practice
12:00-12:45 Holy Mass in the garden
13:00-14:00 Lunch in silence
14:30-19:30 Franciscan Tour
20:00 Dinner in silence
21:00-21:30 Group Meditation
Saturday, June 7th
07:00 Coffee/Tea
7:30 Lauds in the Church
8:00-8:45 Breakfast in silence
8:45-10:00 Silence
10:00-11:30 The Mystical Life: theory and practice
12:00-12:45 Holy Mass in the garden
13:00-14:00 Lunch in silence
15:30-16:30 The Mystical Life: theory and practice
17:00-19:30 Visit to Santa Maria degli Angeli
20:00 Dinner in silence
21:00-21:30 Group Meditation
Sunday, May 4th
07:00 Coffee/Tea
7:30 Lauds in the Church
8:00-8:45 Breakfast in silence
8:45-10:00 Silence
10:00-11:30 The Mystical Life: theory and practice
12:00-12:45 Holy Mass in the garden
13:00-14:00 Lunch
Departures
"Early Bird" before January 30th 2025
WHO FACILITATES THE RETREAT?
Father Raffaele Di Muro, Franciscan priest, professor and scholar of mysticism with expertise in spirituality of saints and spiritual direction. He organises and facilitates spiritual retreats.
Beatrice Carafa d'Andria, Spiritual coach, meditation and mindfulness instructor, a scholar of spirituality, mysticism, and monastic life. She organises and facilitates spiritual retreats.
About the Monastery
Domus Madonna delle Rose
The house is run by the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary in Assisi. A true oasis of peace that borders the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, where the Porziuncola is kept. A large park surrounds the structure, restored in 2001 with anti-seismic criteria, respecting the original style. Among the flowering meadows, olive trees and fruit trees, it is possible to relax and admire the city of Saint Francis in all its splendour.
THE RETREAT ORGANISER
CITTA’ DELLA MISTICA
The retreat is designed to nurture your inner harmony
through the enchanting allure of the Franciscan sites in Assisi.
True harmony resides within you, and this retreat offers transformative experiences to cultivate it.
This retreat offers experiences that can profoundly transform you.
Immerse yourself in intense spiritual moments: prayer, visits, leisurely walks in the lush greenery of Assisi,
guided meditations,liturgical practices, and beautiful lectures on mysticism.
Our objective is to guide you towards a deep inner transformation
that will result in a harmonious and peaceful life.
"Early Bird" before January 30th 2025
English (UK) 
Italiano