Monastic Formators' Programme
Rome and Assisi
Rome
The City of Rome is rooted in the apostles Peter and Paul, reveal many layers of Christian tradition in its catacombs and churches, art and architecture. There is time to visit the important places. There is also an opportunity join the Pope in the celebration liturgy at St Peter’s. Such occasions give a wonderful sense of the universality of the Church.
The Land of St Benedict
We meet St Benedict in his own land, with pilgrimages to Norcia - his birthplace, Subiaco – where he began his monastic life and Monte Cassino where he wrote his Rule and lies buried alongside his sister St Scholastica. These places bring to life his own monastic experience.
Assisi & Umbria
The second half of the Program will be spent in Umbria, the province where St Benedict was born. Participants appreciate the peace and tranquillity that Assisi offers, and its beautiful countryside. There we meet Umbria’s other famous son and daughter, St Francis and St Clare.
Rome and Assisi - For an experiential Programme like this, location is all-important.
Participants' Experience
I had high expectations when I came to Rome for the MFP, but what I experienced was much more: A deeply joyful community of brothers and sisters from all over the world, a renewal of my own monastic vocation and a strong foundation for my task as formator in terms of knowledge, spirituality, faith and hope.
Sr Ursula Wahle, Benediktinerinnenkloster, Köln, GERMANY [MFP 2008]
It lets you get in touch with the breadth and depth of the monastic project, and there to find the rock to stand on—from where you can go forth in confidence as a Formator, with a good idea of the view you need to transmit. The experience was well worth it.
Fr Steele Hartmann, Tarrawarra, AUSTRALIA [MFP 2011]
In Rome we stay at Sant' Anselmo on the Aventine hill. Away from the noise of the city, it offers a peaceful environment to study. It welcomes monastic students who come from all over the world who come to study and was founded to strengthen links between the Benedictine congregations and houses .
For the second half of the Program will enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Assisi. We will stay at the Oasi Sacro Cuore, beautifully situated amongst the olive trees on the hillside below the town.
Accommodation
