MEMRAMCOOK, NB – A spiritual retreat in Memramcook that is committed to silence, is speaking out.
People from across Canada have been visiting La Solitude retreat for 45 years. Visitors spend their time alone, in complete silence as a form of emotional therapy.
But now, the operators of La Solitude are the ones worried about the future of the retreat.
Michel Drisdelle is a volunteer facilitator at La Solitude spiritual retreat.
“When they cross the gate you are in silence for the whole time you are on the grounds,” he said. “People can come for an individual journey if you want to answer questions about yourself.”
Drisdelle is also a therapist and helps guide visitors, like David Hache, on their silent spiritual journeys. Hache is a high-tech gaming developer and said he came to La Solitude to find peace.
“It’s a place where you can just get away and unburden yourself,” said Hache.
Visitors are tucked away alone in one of the 15 cabins.
“You can just think about nothing really. And that’s really a peaceful and calm experience,” Hache said.
The retreat sits on 38 acres of wooded trails and was founded by a Roman Catholic priest in the late 1960’s. More than 5,000 people have stayed there from across Canada. But after 45 years, La Solitude is at risk of closing.
- ‘Shock and disbelief’ after Manitoba school trustee’s Indigenous comments
- Canadian man dies during Texas Ironman event. His widow wants answers as to why
- Several baby products have been recalled by Health Canada. Here’s the list
- ‘Sciatica was gone’: hospital performs robot-assisted spinal surgery in Canadian first
“The community that owns this property has decided to get rid of it next year,” said Drisdelle. “We’re hoping we can raise enough money by next year that we can either make a down payment of purchase the land.”
La solitude is no longer a religious retreat. It’s now run by a non-profit group that welcomes people of all languages and religions.
But the land is still owned by The Holy Cross Fathers and the Roman Catholic church. Father Daniel Deveau said they want to sell the land to fund their own religious order.
The group has given La Solitude first option to buy the land for $275,000.
Drisdelle said it’s a big price tag for a non-profit group but La Solitude hopes to raise enough money to buy the land by next May.
“I would be sad not to be able to come here anymore. This is an important thing for me I think to be able to do this,” said Hache.
Comments