Trappist Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim will preach the week of spiritual exercises, with two daily meditations beginning Feb. 22.<\/p>\n
A week of spiritual exercises for Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Curia at the start of Lent will take on a distinctly monastic character, with the retreat returning to the Apostolic Palace but relocating to the Renaissance-era Pauline Chapel, decorated with frescoes by Michelangelo.<\/p>\n
In previous years, the retreat was held in the palace\u2019s Redemptoris Mater Chapel, known for mosaics associated with Father Marko Rupnik, who has been accused of sexual and spiritual abuse.<\/p>\n
The preacher for the exercises will be Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim, a Cistercian of the Strict Observance (Trappist). A Norwegian who was baptized as a Lutheran by nonpracticing parents, Varden studied at Cambridge and later converted to Catholicism, a change he has linked to the inspiration of music. He has served as bishop of the Diocese of Trondheim since 2020.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a responsible task. I hope, in one way or another, to be of service,\u201d Varden told EWTN News.<\/p>\n
A prolific author of spiritual books, Varden will offer two meditations a day. The first is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22, at 5 p.m. Thereafter, each morning begins at 9 a.m. with the Liturgy of the Hours, and another meditation follows at 5 p.m. The final session will be on Friday, Feb. 27, concluding with afternoon Eucharistic adoration.<\/p>\n
The theme of the retreat is \u201cIlluminated by a Hidden Glory, a Lenten Itinerary,\u201d centered on the figure of St. Bernard \u2014 described as both idealist and realist \u2014 and will also include reflections on the angels of God.<\/p>\n
P\u00e5l Johannes Nes contributed to this report.<\/p>\n
This story\u00a0was first published\u00a0by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.<\/p>\n