My Women of Manresa retreat experience was much more than I could have anticipated. It gave me the time and space to lay down my burdens, step away, and just be with Jesus. The eleven talks inspired me, like Mary, to “treasure up and ponder” the words and actions of Jesus. Our God is one of surprises, and the insights that He shared with me on my retreat are the gifts and blessings that I took home with me. The Lord is calling me to greater depths in our relationships, and my retreat has inspired me to forge ahead and see what He has in store for us. I cannot say enough about the gifts of our retreat director, Fr. Mark Thibodeaux. I walked away feeling like I had been in the presence of Jesus – he is genuine, joyful, and in love with Jesus! He shared his gifts with me and all the retreatants, and I fell in love with Jesus all over again!
My first day back at work after a Women of Manresa Silent Retreat was not what I expected. I thought all the catch-up work would be overwhelming, but I calmly made my way through several piles of work and emails without stress. This retreat truly renewed me. The Spiritual Exercises offered new ways to encounter Christ, from reading the Word of God differently, to placing myself in the scenes of the scriptures. In the silence I was able to stop my inner-voice, and listen to what Jesus had to say, while enjoying the beautiful grounds and sounds of nature at the Cenacle on the Lake. I look forward to going back yearly for more Ignatian spirituality!
For many years, my husband John has looked forward to his retreat at Manresa and has come home rejuvenated. I would envy him as he would talk about his one-on-one experience with God through the St. Ignatius exercises. Just recently I was given the opportunity to attend the Women of Manresa Retreat at the Cenacle. At first I was a little concerned about my volunteer activities and calming my every day thoughts for three days, but as I found out I could do it with the help of the Holy Spirit. After settling in my my room, turning off all electronic devices and enjoying the beautiful spaces around me I was able to quiet my thoughts. Imagine having three days like this, with beautiful surroundings, comfortable accommodations, delicious food and the opportunity to deepen your love and relationship with God.
At the beginning of the retreat the Spiritual Director gave us a sheet with topics for each Conference using the St. Ignatius Spiritual Exercises. On the sheet he suggested Scripture passages to read for reflections or other meditations from the Exercises. It is designed to help you listen to the Holy Spirit and to be open to God’s graces and calling in your life.
At the end of each Conference/Spiritual Exercise there are questions you can meditate on. This is where a journal comes in very handy for you to write down your thoughts about meditating on questions like “What is God asking of me? What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What will I do for Christ?”
Just imagine what it would be to have a conversation with Jesus, Mary or your favorite saints. How precious is the time in my day when I can be quiet and listen. I’m in my own little world when I do this. I now realize that I take care of my physical health, but not my spiritual health.
The ladies as a group had the opportunity to attend Mass, pray the rosary, and pray the Stations of the Cross together.
I no longer envy John because I now have the opportunity to be spiritually rejuvenated myself at the Women of Manresa Retreat. I came home feeling like a new person. This is so important to me that I’m looking forward to going each year. Just try it once and you will be hooked on this special place!
Please email it to aharbison@arch-no.org.