Seeking

Seeking "Sanctuary"

DHardy New member

Member since 30 March 2025

DHardyNew memberYesterday 17:00:52

Hi all,

I think I don't have to post my entire profile here - which can be read by everyone, I believe - so I'll just start with the current situation I find myself in, and which I'd like to change, as soon as ..

Yes, I have cancer, diagnosed 2023. At present things are stable, and may be for many years yet.

However, the treatment is just the one side of it - I find myself in an extremely toxic, hostile environment locally, being pressured by council, authorities, immediate neighbours, family, etc. .. which contribute heavily to my state of well-being, or rather, the absence of it.

As I say in my profile, I am a person who is very empathic, compassionate, spiritually inclined, with a love for nature and animals, and I do not take well to the level of aggression and hate I face on a daily basis. I am honest, I have been struggling with the German mentality ever since I returned from the UK three decades ago - this is not a country I'll ever feel at home in, and have not, despite every effort in these many years.

Now, with this illness, I feel free, finally, to leave, and spend,. hopefully, whatever time is left me, and productively so, in the country of my choosing.

Next the UK, the strongest connection I have is to Italy. My late father was another, who always felt to have been born in the wrong country - Italy was home to him. If there, on holidays, once could always see him perk up considerably, enjoying every bit of the country he so loved - despite the fact he never actually spoke any Italian. His enthusiasm more than made up for this lack ...

We are in many ways very similar.

Sadly he died in 2004, in a car accident in 2004, fairly young with 62. It was an eye opener for all of us, as he left, a man still in his prime, for work one summer morning, and never returned.

I did not know what I would face in future - as I do now - but swore to myself, I would fulfil, for myself and him, the "dream" of returning to Italy for good, and set both our souls at rest.

So now ..

What do I seek?

When I say "sanctuary" - a place of safety, yes, of peace. And it also has to do with my limited means, as I receive a disability pension (which does allow me, however, a limited add. income). Going abroad with this is potentially possible, so I am not overly worried - I am the type, even now, who has a knack, like my cats, of landing on my feet.

The place is more important. I am no member of a church (used to be protestant), but that does not mean I am not religious, although I would consider myself more loosely spiritual. I have a love for St. Francis of Assisi, and feel the closest to him, within a church context, as a person who feels at home with the animal kingdom, as "Brothers and Sisters".

I also have happy memories, as a child, of visits to "S. Zeno Maggiore" in Verona, running down to the crypt to visit our friend, the Holy Zeno in his sarcophagus. It was a thing of wonder to us, and, as my dad, it always felt like a homecoming.

So I was wondering if there are places/ways in Italy, to join a "monastery" or other religious house, not as a proper nun, of course, but as someone attached to the community, in a lay capacity, working with and for the community - I possess a wide set of capabilities - for as long as God, if you want to call it that, will give me - in the present circumstances.

I don't expect a miracle, but I hope for an environment that at least grants me some peace, and support, and positivity, that is so utterly lacking in my present situation, in rural Sth. Germany.

Where I live at this time - people want me gone. One way or the other. People with big houses, fast cars, expensive holidays, and an attitude to match. I just don't fit in with this.

Any suggestions whom I might approach are most welcome, and appreciated. Thank you.

Diana

dtognarelli2 New member

Member since 27 May 2023

dtognarelli2New memberYesterday 20:15:34

What a wonderful woman you are. I am sorry that I cannot help. Maybe only to suggest that you simply contact specific convents or monasteries and not just a general enquiry to the main website of a particular group and not just to the administrative office. Find out who is the 'head' and write to her.

In fact, that is a such great question. I hope you receive many responses. (and I would gain, too, if I read them. I wish you all the blessings that you deserve. May you find. with the help of this great forum, guidance for your journey. My very best to you. denise

PS I am not a new member. I have been a member for a couple of years now.

dtognarelli2 New member

Member since 27 May 2023

dtognarelli2New memberYesterday 20:42:59

Diana: Here is one possibility: Live and help in a monastery in Fabriano, Italy: Fabriano is a touristic spot very well known for its ancient paper production dating back to the Middle Age. Around the town there is a lot to be seen, such as the famous Frasassi caves. Assisi is just two hours drive from us.

And another: (caritas italy)

Msgr. Carlo Roberto Maria Redaelli

President

Mr. Marco Pagniello

Director

Address:

Via Aurelia 796

00165 Roma

Italy

Telephone: +39 06 66 17 71

Fax: +39 06 66 17 76 02

Email: segreteria@caritas.it

Website:

And the Jesuit communities also use volunteers.

Now, whether any of them offer any money, that I don't know. but they are points of contact and can maybe suggest further options. denise

Modicasa Contributor

Member since 15 August 2020

ModicasaContributorToday 04:46:58

187

Id think some retreat in NOrth of England,聽 Cumbria, Northumberland Yorkshire may fit the bill.聽聽

Fred Indonesia Expert

Member since 02 August 2009

A smile is the universal welcome.
Max Eastman

FredIndonesia ExpertToday 05:25:17

29081

Id think some retreat in NOrth of England, Cumbria, Northumberland Yorkshire may fit the bill. - @Modicasa

The OP said -聽 being pressured by council, authorities

Yorkshire won't do the job if they want to aoid those people for financial reasons, and there are very few other reasons a聽 council goes after you.

Modicasa Contributor

Member since 15 August 2020

ModicasaContributorToday 07:59:25

187

@Fred

She said she was living in Germany...

Jareehag New member

Member since 04 October 2019

JareehagNew memberToday 08:02:36

@DHardy

Hello i can help you and heal you and you want to relieve your pain i can聽 recommand you in madagascar where i am married and with spiritual help

DHardy New member

Member since 30 March 2025

DHardyNew memberToday 14:57:47

@Modicasa

Hi,

thanks for your reply. I am actually at present, and believe me, if I saw the chance of returning to the UK I'd be gone tomorrow :-)

Brexit is a hurdle, and even without, footing rental costs with a pension like mine are simply a no-no, what I hear from friends. I did try via my employer twice, in the past, when I was still working - as the company had its head office in Maidenhead. But even I heard a no, thanks. Not lucky ...

DHardy New member

Member since 30 March 2025

DHardyNew memberToday 14:57:49

@Modicasa

Hi,

thanks for your reply. I am actually at present, and believe me, if I saw the chance of returning to the UK I'd be gone tomorrow :-)

DHardy New member

Member since 30 March 2025

DHardyNew memberToday 15:09:55

#10

@dtognarelli2

Hi Denise,

it's lovely to hear from you :-)

You're in Scotland??? Love Scotland. Sadly only been there once, but what a gorgeous country. Especially loved Skye ..

So you're headed for Italy?

Me, Scotland would be great also, but alas - bloody Brexit, as just said to another friend here. And I imagine rents are no cheaper there than in the rest of the UK. O.k., I used to live in London, so that is .. extreme of course.

Thank you for your kind compliment.

And for your suggestions in your other message. I have already looked at the links, and most certainly shall contact these two parties. One can but try ..

Diana xx

SimCityAT Expert

Member since 08 April 2014

SimCityATExpertToday 15:14:43

#11

11804

@DHardy

Have you looked at Austria, Diana?

DHardy New member

Member since 30 March 2025

DHardyNew memberToday 15:23:21

#12

@Fred

Hi Fred,

thanks. Again, I'd love to go North, back to the Island. But can't (Brexit).

As to here, the pressure I am under is not to do with finances. Difficult neighbours, stupid council.

I have cats, and have had for the last .. er .. 31 years, different of course. In all that time I have always rented in the general region, and never any problems. Cats going out.

Now here, in this hamlet, where I ended up after needing a flat quick 2020, separating from mother (lived together) because she went to a care home finally, I've had nothing but trouble. I am being shouted at in the garden, and a next-door neighbour just bled my liability insurance for EUR 11,000 - two superficial scratches and two drops of pee on one of his cars in the garage, where he locked one of mine in for 5 days (w/o food, water).

He has the backing of the entire neighbourhood and the council, who want me gone. Or dead. Either will serve. They all know of my health situation: advanced breast cancer, one plus several lymph nodes missing, last of three surgeries removing chunk of 5th left rib, now metastasis in breastbone and several other lymph nodes in the chest. Keeping a tap on in with strong meds. So.

All this shit here - last thing I need.

I am active in animal welfare as well ([link under review], our site), and that comes with its own challenges. Difficult stuff. So I am running under maximum load here as it is ...

Looking for a way out, And a place to breathe freely ..

Di.