Retreat-Holidays
Make retreats a treat and holidays holy
Italy Programme: Seek His Face
Retreat leader
Dr Stephanie Rybak
Director of Retreat-Holidays
and a former
County Ecumenical Officer
The theme of the retreat
Seek His Face, said the psalmist (in Psalms 24, 27 and 105). Over the millennia, artists have made countless attempts to portray the divine. On this retreat-holiday, we shall be looking at some of those pictures and sculptures and reflecting on which, if any, of them enrich our own images of God.
The opportunity to visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel will offer vast resources – and you don’t need to be an art buff to reflect on which of them do and don't speak to us.
We shall also be exploring some of the non-visual images of the divine which we have found helpful at different stages of our lives and reflecting on what imagery is most effective now in helping us deepen our relationship with the Lord.
Thursday 26 April
Arrivals
Introduction to the week
Friday 27 April
"I am the way"
Morning visit to the Ancient Roman Sacred Way (Via Sacra) on Monte Cavo, which offers a splendid view
of two lakes, Albano and Nemi.
For millennia, the Via Sacra has
been regarded as holy ground, an expression of human beings' innate sense of the divine. For Christians, it reverberates with the words of Jesus: "I am the Way".
Afternoon: for those who wish, an accompanied walk up the hill in the woods of Palazzola.
Saturday 28 April
The power and the glory
Excursion to Rome. We'll provide the transport, but what you do in Rome is up to you. Our suggestion, to tie in with the theme of the retreat-holiday, would be a visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, followed, if you still have the energy, by St Peter's Basilica and Square. You can go round them either with a guide or independently. Either way, it is important to book tickets in advance, as the queues can be phenomenal otherwise. You can book online yourself or ask us to do it for you.
Another option would be to buy a ticket for the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus, which does a two- hour circuit of the main sites of the city, enabling you to choose the ones you want to visit.
Sunday 29 April 
"I am the good shepherd"
"Behold the lamb of God"
Sunday Mass in chapel, where the gospel will be John 10:11-18 ("I am the good shepherd"). Standing under the altar is this early Christian carving of the Lamb of God, which was found in the grounds of Palazzola.
The readings at Mass will also include Psalm 22, which Jesus quoted on the cross when he cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
We shall be meditating on that psalm and on the Good Shepherd gospel today.A range of reproductions of religious paintings will also be made available and people will be invited to choose one, if they wish, as a focus for private prayer and meditation during the day.
Otherwise, this is a day of rest, to enjoy the peace and beauty of the grounds and surroundings of Palazzola.
Monday 30 April
ICHTHUS:
Jesus Christ,
Son of God,
Saviour
Optional visit to catacombs. Reflection on the faith and courage of the early Christians.
We are making this excursion an optional extra, because some people don't like going down steps or are claustrophobic underground and some may wish to do other things today, such as going back into Rome. We'll help with travel arrangments if you do want to do your own thing.
Tuesday 1 May
Christ the cornerstone
Christ the vine
Excursion around Lake Albano and Lake Nemi, driving through some of the local towns, known as the Castelli Romani. Stops will include Castel Gandolfo, where the Pope has his summer residence. 
As we go around, we shall be looking at the buildings - the work of human hands - and reflecting on Christ as the cornerstone of all that we do.
We shall also be driving through vineyards, so you may prefer to take "Christ the vine" as your theme for the day.
Wednesday 2 May
Living water
We bring together the retreat with an excursion to the Villa d'Este and the wonderful Tivoli water gardens, which offer so many visual aids for reflection on the living water.
Thursday 3 May
Departures
All arrangements are subject to change.
Italy: Dates, price and flights
Booking form and conditions