In the gentle embrace of Tuscany’s rolling hills, just a stone’s throw from the mobbed center of Florence, our group gathered in May for a transformative spirituality retreat at the Eremo di Lecceto in Lastra a Signa. Maintained by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Florence and currently run as a serene casa di spiritualità by the Padri Sacramentini (Congregation of the Most Blessed Sacrament), the hermitage offered an idyllic setting for both reflection and fellowship.

Fifteen retreatants from across the European convocation participated, including three members of the Commission on the Ministry of the Baptized (COMB) and its chair, the Rev. Ali Gray. Our shared journey was guided by the featured speaker and facilitator, David Osborne. A retired Anglican priest from the Bath and Wells Diocese and a member of the Iona Community since 1996, Osborne brought a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the retreat. His master’s degree in the theology of education, coupled with his passion for environmental sustainability, infused the sessions with thoughtful insights into our spiritual connection with the natural world.

The weekend was replete with moments of joy and profound connection. New friendships blossomed amidst shared laughter and conversation, while existing bonds were deepened through quiet contemplation and communal activities. Birdwatchers and tortoise lovers alike enjoyed the courtyard garden. A particularly cherished highlight was the opportunity to take meals in the rectory, breaking bread with the priests and experiencing their authentic hospitality as we drank their local wine and appreciated the olive oil pressed from their own groves. Our simple sung grace before each meal astonished the other resident groups with its musicality and sincerity.

Nature kindly cooperated to enhance the spiritual experience. While the spring weather offered both showers and sunshine, participants had ample time to take long, restorative walks along the paths and lanes of the surrounding area. Wild forests, old farmhouses, and ancient olive groves provided a breathtaking backdrop for reflection and discovery. Many of the sessions were held outdoors in the shade of towering cypress trees. This immersion in nature created a deeper connection with the themes of creation and sustainability that Osborne so eloquently discussed.

Monica Sharp, Secretary of the Commission on the Ministry of the Baptized, summarized the retreat: “The Eremo di Lecceto once more provided an ideal sanctuary for our retreat. The beauty of the Tuscan landscape, combined with the warmth of Christian fellowship, fed our souls in ways that will endure long after our return home. The weekend was a testament to how deeply interwoven our spiritual well-being is with the peace of nature and the strength of community.”

When the retreat concluded, participants departed with renewed spirits, invigorated by both the shared experience and the solitude of the Tuscan hermitage. The Eremo di Lecceto, with its rich history and serene atmosphere, proved to be an ideal location for this gathering, fostering both personal and communal growth.