USA: Retreat with Father Cassian
September 15-19, 2025
United States
Embark on a Meaningful Spiritual Journey to America’s Heartland
Join us for a four-night retreat in the peaceful surroundings of the Schoenstatt Shrine and Retreat Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin. This retreat offers a rare opportunity for deep spiritual renewal under the guidance of Fr. Cassian Folsom, O.S.B., founder of the Monastery of San Benedetto in Norcia, Italy—the birthplace of St. Benedict.
A native of the United States, Father Cassian began his monastic life at Saint Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana before being called to restore monastic life in Norcia in 2000. Under his leadership, the Norcia community became a beacon of spiritual vitality and fidelity to the Benedictine tradition, drawing international recognition. Today, Father Cassian continues to teach liturgy and monastic theology in Rome and is widely regarded as a leading voice in the renewal of traditional monastic life.
Rooted in the ancient spiritual wisdom of the desert fathers, this retreat centers on the timeless teachings of Dorotheos of Gaza (Discourses and Sayings, Cistercian Studies Series, Vol. 33).
Fr. Cassian will reflect on six core teachings that offer practical and profound guidance for the spiritual life:
- Humility vs. Self-Importance “He who has humility in his heart is never perturbed, never angry, never has a passion.”
- Judgment and the Tongue “To judge others is to usurp the place of God. When you accuse your brother, you condemn yourself.”
- Interior Peace and Vigilance “It is impossible for anyone to become angry with his neighbor without first being angry with himself.”
- Community and Accountability “He who does not have a guide is like a tree that has no hedge around it: every passerby plucks its fruit.”
- The Role of Suffering and Struggle “Trials reveal the soul. As smoke reveals whether honey is pure, so temptations show what is in the heart.”
- Fear of God and Reverence “If a man does not first learn the fear of God, he will not come to love.”
Retreat Features Include:
- Daily Mass
- Morning and evening reflections by Fr. Cassian
- Quiet time for personal prayer and rest
- Comfortable accommodations at the Schoenstatt Retreat Center in Waukesha, WI
This retreat is ideal for anyone seeking interior renewal, deeper self-knowledge, and spiritual grounding through the enduring wisdom of the monastic tradition.
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Pilgrimage Overview
Each day of the retreat offers a balanced rhythm of prayer, teaching, and rest. Mornings and afternoons include sessions with Fr. Cassian, drawing from the wisdom of Dorotheos of Gaza. Daily Mass, shared meals, and time for personal reflection invite a deepening of stillness and renewal. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the peaceful retreat grounds and enter into the quiet at their own pace.
Tour Details & Guidelines
Air Travel:
This pilgrimage is offered as a Land Only Package. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own air travel for the USA: Retreat with Father Cassian. After you book, you will receive the name and contact information of our recommended travel agent.
Arrival Information:
- Airport: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
- Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 (Day 1 of the pilgrimage)
- Flight Arrival Time: 10AM – 4 PM (Local Time)
- Transfer: There will be 2 group transfers from the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to the Schoenstatt Retreat Center in Waukesha. Transfer times will be scheduled based on participants’ arrival times, for flights arriving before 4:00 PM, to help alleviate long wait times at the airport.
Departure Information:
- Airport: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
- Date: Friday, September 19, 2025 (Day 5 of the pilgrimage)
- Time: Flight departure after 11:30 AM (Local Time)
- Transfer: Group transfer to the airport at 9:00 AM
Please note: Any transfers to or from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) will be subject to an additional fee.