La Casina is situated right below the shrine to Our Lady of Covadonga which is known as La Santina, located deep in the Picos de Europa. This was the venue for a gathering focused on Nature and Contemplation from 30 April to 3 May 2026.
The aim was to rediscover our connection with nature by opening up a contemplative path leading to the renewal of our spirituality, our mission and our capacity to love and transform the world from within. The content of the gathering was enriched by the diversity of the participants, as well as by the atmosphere of trust that grew stronger in the group. In total, 18 people from different places attended.
Connecting with nature and life
Over the course of three days, activities were organised to foster this connection through the senses, beauty, emotions, meaning and compassion. The meditations prepared the body and spirit for inner reflection. Guided walks through the area’s lush surroundings combined moments of mindful silence and activities aimed at contemplation with a fresh perspective: from a broader viewpoint and a relational outlook in which we gradually discovered that ‘Everything is connected’.
Our approach is always to treat nature as a teacher, in an atmosphere of calm and freedom, without rushing, with the certainty that immersing ourselves in nature brings a profound sense of well-being.
Along trails that wind their way past waterfalls, streams and deep into the forest, the participants immersed themselves in:
- The present moment, awakening all the senses.
- The discovery of beauty in thesmall things, in the great things, and also in the system as a whole.
- An awareness of nature’s influence on our emotional state.
- The symbolic significance of key places for Pedro Poveda and the Teresian Association.
We reflected on the profound meaning of compassion, linking death with life, and peace on Earth with peace among people.
The song ‘Adiós ríos, adiós fontes’ kicked off a lively and delightful evening of music which brought everyone together through songs from a variety of traditions.
The gathering concluded with a shared circle in which participants openly expressed their impressions. The experience of connection with oneself, with others, with nature, and ultimately with God was highly valued. The link between the content and the biblical message proved particularly meaningful.
The welcome we received at the house was exceptional and received unanimous praise from everyone.
The retreat concluded with a big group hug that bound the participants together like a web, as they expressed in unison their gratitude for the shared experience and for the sense of connection.
A joint effort
This retreat was the result of a joint effort and shared enthusiasm, and it was made possible thanks to the initiative of the La Casina team and the support of the Council for Culture. Covadonga is a place where history, nature and faith come together, and it offers a unique setting for a profound experience of connection with the natural environment, as a group, from a Christian spiritual perspective.
We continue moving forward together towards ecological conversion.
Isabel Acereda, Rose Miró and Boni Molada.
Published in News