Trappist Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim will preach the week of spiritual exercises, with two daily meditations beginning Feb. 22.
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.
In previous years, the retreat was held in the palace’s Redemptoris Mater Chapel, known for mosaics associated with Father Marko Rupnik, who has been accused of sexual and spiritual abuse.
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.
“It is a responsible task. I hope, in one way or another, to be of service,” Varden told EWTN News.
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.
The theme of the retreat is “Illuminated by a Hidden Glory, a Lenten Itinerary,” centered on the figure of St. Bernard — described as both idealist and realist — and will also include reflections on the angels of God.
Pål Johannes Nes contributed to this report.
This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
