Report of Retreat at The Minnehof, Bruge
19-21 November
Kim Nataraja
On the weekend of the 19-21 November an event took place that
was a new initiative in two important ways.
Firstly it was a European event – a ‘Workshop for the
Essential Teaching’ for National Coordinators of France -
Dominique Lablanche -, Germany - Mariya Plotzki, Holland –
Odile van der Hoff and other meditators who led groups in these
countries. There were also group leaders from Belgium, but not as
many might have been expected as Agnes D’Hooghe Dumon and
Jose Pype had already organised three Schools for the Belgian groupleaders
in the previous years. The language of communication was English.
You will already have read the report from a participant’s
point of view in a previous News item.
The atmosphere of friendship during this weekend was palpable -
it was a real ‘bonding’ occasion. With the result that
Seminars with Fr Laurence held in any of the European Countries
will in future be open to anyone from within Europe, if the language
of communication will be English.
Further events for this European group of friends and others interested
are already planned:
- School Retreat 28 September – 5 October 2005
- Seminar School ‘Roots in the Desert’ 11-13 November
2005
Secondly the event was held in the ‘Minnehof’. A few
words on this Centre. It is run by a team of volunteers led by Ria
Weyens, who many of you may remember from Campden Hill Road –
you can see her playing the guitar on the ‘Coming Home’
video. One of the volunteers Geert van Malderen also attended the
‘Workshop’.
It is situated in one of the buildings of the medieval Beguinage
in Bruges. A magical and very sacred place! Words can not describe
it. It is a world heritage site, but tourists can’t come far
in, so the peace is not disturbed. Do have a look at their website
on www.minnehof.com
The organisational backing to the weekend ran very smoothly. It
was a joy to hold an event there. The rooms were clean and attractive
with all the basic facilities one could wish for. The food was excellent
and prepared with love and in a spirit of contemplative service.
The silence of the place was deep and contributed to the peaceful
atmosphere of our meeting.
Not only is the Minnehof available for events, but also for private
retreats from March till November. I can highly recommend it.
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