Visual Meditation: World Congress of Benedictine Oblates
A visual meditation with images from my travels during the World Congress of Benedictine Oblates in October 2009. The photos were taken in the Vatican City, Rome, Subiaco (Benedict’s Cave), Monte Cassino (Benedictine monastery), and Sant’Anselmo (Primatial Abbey). The music is by Hildegard of Bingen. © Christine Valters Paintner at Abbey of the Arts: Transformative […]
What is a Monk?
There is a story from the Desert Fathers where one asks another “what is a monk?” And the response was “someone who asks ‘what is a monk?’ everyday.” Laurence Freeman, OSB at the World Congress of Benedictine Oblates in Rome began his talk on contemplation with this image and invited us as Oblates to consider […]
Journey Into the Beating Heart of the World
I have been feeling very introspective lately, probably the result of having some sort of virus with a rash and fever that caused me to retreat to my bed for the last four days (the prescription-strength Benadryl helped that along quite a bit!) Or maybe it is because summer is waning, and while I am probably […]
Celebrating 20 Years in Community! ~ A Love Note from Your Online Abbess
Dearest dancing monks, artists, and pilgrims, We celebrate our 20th anniversary tomorrow! In honor of this celebration we thought we’d revisit the ways you can connect with our community. Have you had a chance yet to engage with our Monk in the World” 8-Day Online Retreat. It’s our gift to you. You’ll receive a daily email to […]
Abbey of the Arts 20th Anniversary Celebration!
Apr 27, 2026 @ 4:30 pm IST – 6:00 pm IST –
with Christine Valters Paintner and our Wisdom Council
Come help us celebrate 20 wonderful years of contemplative practice and creative expression with kindred spirits! It is worth a holy pause to reflect on the journey thus far.
A Spirituality of Blessing: A 21-Day Self-Study Retreat
A 21-day self-study retreat led by Christine Valters Paintner and guest teachers to guide you through the spiritual practice of blessing.
Give Me a Word: An Ancient Practice to Guide Your Year
Nov 30, 2025 – Dec 3, 2025 @ 4:00 pm GMT – 5:30 pm GMT –
with Christine Valters Paintner and Guest Teachers
Since 2008 we have posted an annual invitation to listen for a word to guide them in the year ahead. We would share a few short and simple practices with hundreds of people participating. Now Christine has published a book about the process and this retreat is a companion to it, providing additional guidance and support to contemplate what holiness is birthing within your soul. Each day there will be a different practice offered to inspire, challenge, and support you in listening for the word that wants to be spoken to your heart.