Monastic retreat and pastoral care in the Dutch Reformed tradition

C.H Schutte,Yolanda Dreyer

doi:10.4102/hts.v62i4.402

C.H Schutte, Yolanda Dreyer

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v62i4.402

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Abstract

Of late, there has been a growing interest in retreat among clergy and members of congregations in the Dutch Reformed tradition in South Africa. The article investigates the relevance of the monastic traditions for this growing interest in Reformed circles. It focuses on aspects of retreat such as the role of holy places in the monastic traditions (e.g., monasteries, cathedrals, retreat centers) and the experience of silence, solitude, regeneration, divine presence and spiritual formation. Proceeding from an epistemological reflection on the subject as described in a previous article, the aim of this article is to explore the “action of retreat” as a narrative research journey and pilgrimage in order to investigate the relevance of the Benedictine, Franciscan and Taizé monastic-mystic traditions (seen as an associative/mystic spirituality) for retreat in the Dutch Reformed tradition (which is seen as a disassociative/rational/ dogmatic spirituality).

Highlights

This article assumes that “monastic retreat” – though a relatively new phenomenon in the Dutch Reformed tradition – can become a source of regeneration and healing
The article investigates the relevance of the monastic traditions for this growing interest in Reformed circles
It focuses on aspects of retreat such as the role of holy places in the monastic traditions and the experience of silence, solitude, regeneration, divine presence and spiritual formation

Summary

INTRODUCTION

This article assumes that “monastic retreat” – though a relatively new phenomenon in the Dutch Reformed tradition – can become a source of regeneration and healing Such an assumption can only be substantiated by bringing monastic spirituality in critical dialogue with the kind of spirituality found in the Reformed tradition, within the Dutch Reformed churches in South Africa. Nouwen (1990:25) regards solitude during a retreat as a “furnace of transformation.” It provides a way for caregiver (spiritual director) and retreatant to understand and articulate their inner worlds. Deeper into the healing presence of God. Solitude may provide a way for the spiritual director and retreatant to understand and articulate their inner world. In meeting one another, being there as you are and the others as they are, and in the presence of God, the sharing deepens and the light each person receives from God shines forth more brilliantly and in a healing way

MONASTIC RETREAT AND THE PRESENCE OF GOD

RETREAT AS RITUAL AND RITE OF PASSAGE

ELEMENTS OF MONASTIC RETREAT

MONASTIC TRADITIONS AS WAY OF LIFE AND WAY OF RETREAT

A MONASTIC WAY OF LIFE AND THE DUTCH REFORMED TRADITION

AN ECUMENICAL POSTSCRIPT