Bonnevaux Pilgrimage 2027
BY VINCENT MAIRE
Vincent Maire
After lunch at the Auckland Community Day in March, Roanne Raine and Dianna Fouhy spoke about their recent visits to Bonnevaux. They both gave enthusiastic accounts of what they had seen and experienced at the Abbey which is near Poitiers in France.
During their reports, the idea of a New Zealand pilgrimage to Bonnevaux was mooted and a number of people expressed strong interest in joining up. As this would be quite an undertaking it was agreed that a two-year time frame would be best.
Fr Peter Murphy, who is now based at Bonnevaux, agreed with 2027 as the retreat centre is heavily booked. He said the shoulder seasons are best – May or September and added that the place is closed in August for les vacanes! Peter said we need at least 10-people on the pilgrimage to make it viable.
At the Auckland meeting I agreed to write an article for Stillpoint and be the contact person for the pilgrimage. At this stage I cannot promise to be part of it – as much as I’d love to. However, I am happy to be the point of contact and to collect names of people who would be keen to visit Bonnevaux in May 2027.
Basically, we need an idea of numbers so Peter can pencil us in. As to cost, I think we will have a clearer idea of that once we know how many meditators are interested in this exciting proposal. So, if the idea of having a week-long retreat at Bonnevaux appeals, please contact me by email.
Vincent Maire email: auckland@christianmeditationnz.org.nz
Bonnevaux Now
BY PETER MURPHY
Peter Murphy
I have now been in Bonnevaux for three months in my role as coordinator of the residential community. Fr Laurence is currently recovering from surgery in Houston. We hope to have him back here by the middle of June.
We have just had a wonderful visit from the Singapore Meditation Community in mid-May. They were here for a six-day retreat. Retreats from national communities are always welcome for they bring an extra dimension to Bonnevaux.
We are a world-wide community. The centre of course is Christ, but our physical centre is here. Cost for national communities are less than for the standard retreat. Visitors are entranced by the beauty of the natural surroundings and the buildings. The place itself has a restorative value as well as the prayer life into which visitors are immersed.
I would add to Vincent's invitation to come. The distance is daunting for those not accustomed to travel. The Singapore people spent two days in Paris before arriving here by coach. It takes a few days for your head to catch up with your body, particularly coming from so far! It would be wonderful to see as many of you who can make it.
