Beautiful trip and experience with wonderful people. I would love to do it again!

It was an unforgettable experience and memories that will last forever. Nice to meet amazing people in our group. Thank you so much for this wonderful retreat, of course to Natalie and Father Rok. God bless !

It was an absolutely lovely experience at Fontgombault Abbey and meeting new friends. Natalie is great along with her daughter, Anastasia, a delightful and smart young lady. Fr Rok provided the much needed spiritual enrichment. Thank you for a grace-filled and blessed retreat!

It was an awesome and inspiring experience to participate in the Divine Office and the Masses. The chants were Heavenly. The experience gave us a glimpse of the monastic life of the Benedictines and the opportunity to bond with like minded Catholics. Thank you to Natalie for organizing this retreat.

Retreat Reflection It has taken me several days to find the right words to describe what this retreat meant to me and what it has brought into my life. Before attending the retreat, I knew I wanted to make changes in my life, but I was not entirely sure what those changes should be or how to begin making them. I arrived with questions and uncertainty, hoping to find some direction. What surprised me most was that the greatest part of the retreat was not a particular event, lecture, or activity. It was the people. There was a genuine sense of friendship, acceptance, and understanding among everyone there. We came from different backgrounds and experiences, yet we connected so naturally. Being surrounded by people who were kind, open, and supportive created an environment where I felt completely comfortable being myself. If I had to describe what the retreat gave me in one word, it would be hope. To me, hope means seeing possibilities that I had not considered before. It means believing that positive change is possible, even when the path forward is not entirely clear. The retreat did not give me all the answers, but it helped me see that there are opportunities for growth, renewal, and purpose that I may have overlooked. I returned home with a greater sense of optimism about the future. More importantly, I left knowing that I am not alone in my journey. The friendships, conversations, and shared experiences reminded me that we can encourage one another and help each other move forward. For me, that sense of hope and community is what made this retreat truly special, and it is something I will carry with me long after the retreat has ended. In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Natalie Sonnen for choosing the Abbey of Fontgombault as the destination for this retreat and, even more importantly, to Father Rock for his guidance, wisdom, and inspiration throughout our time together. What impressed me most was the simplicity and reverence of the Abbey and the monks who live there. In a world that often values luxury, convenience, and excess, there was something deeply refreshing about the quiet simplicity of the Abbey. For me, that simplicity removed many of the distractions and complications that often accompany modern life and allowed me to focus on what truly matters. Natalie did an outstanding job organizing the retreat and keeping everything on track. Her dedication and attention to detail made it possible for all of us to enjoy this experience fully. Even if there were a few minor hiccups along the way, that is simply part of life. In many ways, those unexpected moments become part of the memories we share and often make the journey even more enjoyable. I am grateful not only for the places we visited, but also for the people with whom I shared this experience. The friendships, conversations, laughter, and moments of reflection are what I will remember most. The retreat has left me with a renewed sense of hope, a greater appreciation for simplicity, and memories that I will carry with me for many years to come. For that, I am truly grateful.