Embark on a Meaningful Spiritual Journey to America's Heartland

Join us for a five-day contemplative retreat in the peaceful surroundings of the Schoenstatt Shrine and Retreat Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin. This retreat offers a rare opportunity for deep spiritual renewal under the guidance of Fr. Cassian Folsom, O.S.B., founder of the Monastery of San Benedetto in Norcia, Italy—the birthplace of St. Benedict.

A native of the United States, Father Cassian began his monastic life at Saint Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana before being called to restore monastic life in Norcia in 2000. Under his leadership, the Norcia community became a beacon of spiritual vitality and fidelity to the Benedictine tradition, drawing international recognition. Today, Father Cassian continues to teach liturgy and monastic theology in Rome and is widely regarded as a leading voice in the renewal of traditional monastic life.

Rooted in the ancient spiritual wisdom of the desert fathers, this retreat centers on the timeless teachings of Dorotheos of Gaza (Discourses and Sayings, Cistercian Studies Series, Vol. 33). 

Fr. Cassian will reflect on six core teachings that offer practical and profound guidance for the spiritual life:

• Humility vs. Self-Importance
  “He who has humility in his heart is never perturbed, never angry, never has a passion.”
   
• Judgment and the Tongue
  “To judge others is to usurp the place of God. When you accuse your brother, you condemn yourself.”
   
• Interior Peace and Vigilance
  “It is impossible for anyone to become angry with his neighbor without first being angry with himself.”
   
• Community and Accountability
  “He who does not have a guide is like a tree that has no hedge around it: every passerby plucks its fruit.”
   
• The Role of Suffering and Struggle
  “Trials reveal the soul. As smoke reveals whether honey is pure, so temptations show what is in the heart.”
   
• Fear of God and Reverence
  “If a man does not first learn the fear of God, he will not come to love.” 

Retreat Features Include:

• Daily Mass 
• Morning and evening reflections by Fr. Cassian 
• Quiet time for personal prayer and rest 
• Comfortable accommodations at the Schoenstatt Retreat Center in Waukesha, WI 

This retreat is ideal for anyone seeking interior renewal, deeper self-knowledge, and spiritual grounding through the enduring wisdom of the monastic tradition.

Air Travel: This pilgrimage is offered as a Land Only Package. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own air travel for the USA: Retreat with Father Cassian. After you book, you will receive the name and contact information of our recommended travel agent.

Arrival Information:
Airport: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 (Day 1 of the pilgrimage)

Flight Arrival Time: 10AM - 4 PM (Local Time) 

Transfer: There will be two group transfers from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to the Schoenstatt Retreat Center in Waukesha. These transfers will be scheduled within the arrival window of 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and coordinated based on participants’ flight arrival times to minimize wait times at the airport.

Departure Information:

Airport: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

Date: Friday, September 19, 2025 (Day 5 of the pilgrimage)

Time: Flight departure after 11:30 AM (Local Time)

Transfer: Group transfer to the airport at 9:00 AM

Optional Transfer from Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

Please note: Any transfers to/from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) will be subject to an additional fee. 

The primary airport for this retreat is Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), located approximately 28 miles (30 minutes) from the Schoenstatt Retreat Center.

However, for those who prefer to fly into Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) — 98 miles away (about 1.5 hours by car) — we can coordinate group transfers to and from the Retreat Center.

• There is an additional cost for transfers to/from ORD. 
• This cost will be shared among participating pilgrims. 
• If 6 people share the transfer, the estimated cost is $75 per person each way (subject to change based on final number of participants). 

If you are interested in this option, please contact our office.

Recommended Travel Agency:

For booking flights, we recommend using an experienced travel agency. They will handle your airline reservations and forward the details to our office, ensuring a seamless process. You will receive the contact information for Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages' recommended seasoned travel agent in your Welcome Letter, which is sent immediately after you register.

If you would like to get an idea of the cost and availability of flights, we suggest checking Google Flights as a helpful and simple tool for initial research.

With more than 34 years of publishing Inside the Vatican magazine, we have colleagues and friends all over the world — and many of them have become part of our Pilgrimage family. 

Designing an Inside the Vatican pilgrimage begins with a theme or a particular country; then we weave in encounters with real people who live and work there, as well as those with expert knowledge in its historical and spiritual perspectives. Each day we will have the opportunity to attend Mass.

Our itineraries include both world-renowned and little-known places, and every detail has been arranged to create a truly unique experience; we do not have cookie-cutter pilgrimages.  And our pilgrims appreciate the fact that we never exceed 33 pilgrims.  For our custom pilgrimages, we may exceed 33 pilgrims only at the client's request. 

Crafting an Inside the Vatican Pilgrimage is about knowing firsthand what makes a place extraordinary, knowing personally the people involved, understanding how best to experience it and then finessing the countless details, moments and encounters both planned and spontaneous. Our thoughtful trip design, flexible pace and local connections are just a few of the reasons why our pilgrims often return to join us again for other pilgrimages.

Contact Information:

Phone: +1.202.536.4555  Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ET.

Email: Pilgrimages@InsideTheVatican.com. 

WhatsApp: +1.540.631.4392

Before you book your trip with us, please read carefully our Terms and Conditions

Contact us to inquire about any applicable discounts.

Guests arrive at the Schoenstatt Retreat Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin, a peaceful sanctuary set apart for prayer and reflection. Check-in begins in the early afternoon, with time to settle into your room, explore the grounds, and begin transitioning into the quiet rhythm of the retreat. We will gather together for a welcome dinner.

The day begins with breakfast and a morning session with Fr. Cassian. After Mass and lunch, we gather again in the afternoon for a second session. The rest of the day is open for quiet reflection, rest, or personal time.

The morning and afternoon include sessions with Fr. Cassian, with Mass and shared meals throughout the day. Free time offers the chance to enjoy the retreat grounds, walk the paths, or rest in the quiet.

Our final full day includes a morning and afternoon session with Fr. Cassian, with Mass and shared meals as anchors. Time is set aside for reflection and preparing to return home with intention and peace.

We conclude the retreat with a final Mass and breakfast together. Guests depart in the mid morning.