Contemplative Revolution with Fr. Laurence Freeman, OSB

Retreat video sessions December 1st & 2nd

This event has concluded.

Session 1: Friday, 7 - 8:30 PM

Fr. Laurence talks about contemplation as a revolution and the wisdom of saints throughout the ages. He references Aquinas (contemplation as simple enjoyment of the truth); Simone Weil’s new holiness/saintliness for this time; also Antony of the Desert. The talk is completed with instruction on the basic practice of meditation.

Session 2: Saturday, 9 - 10:15 AM

Fr. Laurence looks at the difference of mindfulness to meditation and contemplation, among other related ideas and topics.

Session 3: Saturday, 10:45 – 11:45 AM

Fr. Laurence speaks of, among other topics, contemplative prayer in the light of its root, “templum” meaning an open space; not a “temple” as in a building. Meditation then is a means of creating a new space, a new field, where people and truth can meet together.

Session 4: Saturday, 2 – 3 PM

Fr. Laurence discusses asceticism, discipline, urgency and training/practice in terms of contemplation and meditation. He also speaks on non-attachment to language and traditions…name of God, translations of text, etc.

Session 5: Saturday, 3:30 - 4:30 PM

Q&A with Fr. Laurence.