Human and Spiritual Growth from a Monastic Perspective • December 9-11

Benedict was deeply concerned about the growth and development of his monks, and wrote his Rule as a means to facilitate that growth. Benedict envisioned his way of life as common in two senses of the word: common as in ordinary, and common as available to many. As it is based on the Bible, it’s principles can be used by all with a monastic heart, and not just by those living in a monastery. Romuald’s great contribution was to place a greater emphasis on solitude in the monastic and human journey.

In this retreat we will explore the central tenets of monastic practice from both Benedict’s and Romuald’s perspective and apply them to the central monastic goal of conversion.  This conversion, this turning to God and being turned to God can be seen as the core of our growth – both spiritual and human. The monastic experience as a lived and developing way of being can be the core of our life – with God, ourselves and others.

Bede Healey is Camaldolese monk of New Camaldolese Hermitage. He has served in various capacities including formation, Oblate Chaplain, serving on the Council, and cooking (his favorite job). He currently serves as Treasurer and coordinates various other administrative responsibilities at the hermitage provides spiritual direction and offers a limited retreat ministry. Bede is also a clinical psychologist. In this capacity he has written and presented widely on psychological issues, disorders and treatment in religious professionals, working with religious issues in therapy, provided psychological assessments for religious and ministerial candidates, and consulted with religious communities and dioceses. He has a keen interest in the relationship between spirituality and psychology, provides spiritual direction and offers a limited retreat ministry.