Jesus said,
"Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." (Mark 6:31)
Jesus knew that rest and re-creation is important to the human spirit. But if we return from a vacation worse off, spiritually, than when we started, what good is that?
Crisis Magazine has an article on Monastery Vacations in France. The author, Mary Jo Anderson says that the cost for staying at these monasteries range from $20 to $35 per night, with meals, although additional offerings are welcome.
About.com has an article on monastic vacations in the U.S. and England. The one in Devon, UK is the only English monastery to be restored to its original purpose after King Henry VIII disolved the monasteries after his break with Rome.
It might be worth it to truly unwind in the timeless spiritual atmosphere of a monastery or retreat house for your next vacation.
At the very least, go to Masstimes.org before your next trip, and find a church near your destination. Take time to get up early one morning and go to daily Mass. Don't make your next vacation, a vacation from God.
$20-35 is all? Wow, that's cheap. I'd go if I lived in France, but I don't.
ReplyDeleteI think that is a great suggestion!
ReplyDeleteMoneybags--the about.com article quoted rates that were higher, but still sounded quite reasonable.
ReplyDeleteMy friend and I just went away at a retreat house/spa type place and it was very restful.