Monastero di Fonte Avellana
11 - 14 September 2025
The retreat is held in Italian and English and offers
a harmony between
monastic prayer and the nourishment of the soul.
Among the activities offered are:
Monastic liturgy
Participation in lectures on the Triple Way of Christian mysticism
The experience of silence and guided meditation
Tour of the Abbey
Walks around the Abbey grounds
Each day is structured to offer a unique experience for nurturing your soul.
Imagine praying with the abbey monks, participating in the harmony of their liturgy.
Surrender to the harmonious rhythm of nature, as the majestic mountains and the boundless sky awaken your spirit and your heart.
This dream can become a reality through this retreat, scheduled from September 11th to 14th, 2025.
Take part in this truly unique and transformative experience, as your mind, spirit, and heart are enveloped in an atmosphere of profound contemplation amidst the enchanting landscape of the splendid Italian Marche region.
The cornerstone of this retreat is the cultivation of your inner harmony.
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 diverse spiritual moments: the Divine Office, serene walks amidst the lush surroundings, guided meditations,
moments of profound silence, and lectures on the Triple Way.
Our aim is to foster within you a profound inner transformation that can revitalise your life.
Our retreat in Fonte Avellana 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 the retreat, you will enter the beauty of inner life and embark on a transformative journey
that will leave you inspired, regenerated and inwardly strengthened.
mindful walks, fostering friendships,
friendships and silence in one of the most evocative monasteries in Italy.
DETAILS
The uniqueness of the retreat lies in the synergy between communal moments and dedicated personal reflection. Specifically, the retreat includes morning communal prayers (Lauds), participation in the Holy Mass and contemplative practices.
Contemplative practices are focused on the mysticism of the Triple Way (purification, illumination and union). There will be theory and practice sessions to learn about the path of progressive spiritual growth. The setting for the practices are the monastery and the park, which favour, through external and internal silence, the opening 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 designed to offer you a harmony between prayer, meditation, silence, and spiritual growth. Each day begins with communal monastic prayer and continues with theory and practice of the mystical Triple Way.
You will have plenty of time to explore the park, visit the monastic pharmacy, and meet the monks of the abbey. The day concludes with guided meditations and evening monastic prayer.
Meals: sobriety and simplicity
Meals will take place in an evocative location of the Abbey. It is a truly special place inside the beautiful park, nestled in the rock.
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, September 11th
16:00 -17:30 Check-in
18:00 -18:45 Welcome session
19:00-19:30 Vespers
19:30-20:00 Dinner in silence
20:30-21:00 Group meditation
Friday, September 12th (IN SILENCE)
7:30-8:00 Lauds
8:00-8:30 Holy Mass
08:30-09:00 Breakfast
9:30-10:30 Introduction to the Triple Way
11:00-11:30 Tour of the monastery
12:00-12:30 Listening Hour
12:30-13:00 Lunch
13:00-15:30 Silence
15:30-17:30 The Triple Way: Stage 1
17:30-19:00 Silence
19:00-19:30 Vespers
19:30-20:00 Dinner
20:30-21:00 Group meditation
Saturday, September 13th (IN SILENCE)
7:30-8:00 Lauds
8:00-8:30 Holy Mass
08:30-09:00 Breakfast
9:30-11:30 The Triple Way: Stage 2
12:00-12:30 Listening Hour
12:30-13:00 Lunch
13:00-15:30 Silence
15:30-17:30 The Triple Way: Stage 3
17:30-19:00 Silence
19:00-19:30 Vespers
19:30-20:00 Dinner
20:30-21:00 Group meditation
Sunday, September 14th
7:30-8:00 Lauds
8:00-8:30 Breakfast
9:00-10:30 Closing session
11:00 Holy Mass
12:30-13:00 Lunch
14:00 Departures
The schedule may be subject to slight changes
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.
CASTEL DEL MONTE
The origins of Fonte Avellana Monastery
The Fonte Avellana Monastery is located on the wooded slopes of Mount Catria (1701 m.) at 700 meters above sea level.
Its origins date back to the end of the 10th century, around 980, when some hermits chose to build the first cells of a hermitage that would become the current monastery over the centuries. The spirituality of these hermits was influenced by Saint Romuald of Ravenna, father of the Camaldolese Benedictine Congregation. He lived and worked between the 10th and 11th centuries in areas very close to Fonte Avellana, such as Sitria, Mount Petrano, and San Vincenzo al Furlo.
THE RETREAT ORGANISER
CITTA’ DELLA MISTICA
The retreat is designed to nurture your inner harmony.
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 moments of spiritual introspection through peaceful walks,
liturgical prayer, guided meditations, insightful lectures and practices on the Triple Way journey.
that will result in a harmonious and peaceful life.
English (UK) 
Italiano