A Fruitful 30-Day Retreat!
posted on February 15th, 2010
The 30-day retreat, which began early in January, finished last week. Before they went on their way, the participants were given the opportunity to say a little about what the experience of the Spiritual Exercises had meant to them. Their very varied responses are listed — anonymously and with permission — below.
“A completely life-changing experience in a wonderful setting.”
“This was nothing short of the discovery of friendship; of a friend that changes the world for me and me for it.”
“Loyola Hall is a place where you can think and talk about faith in Christ Jesus as naturally as a football fan discussing the team line up for Saturday’s game.”
“The 30-day guided Spiritual Exercises was a wonderful journey with Christ in the love and protection of God our Father.”
“The 30 days really helped me to identify and let go of the hidden ideas and attitudes that were preventing me from getting stuck into life. After 30 days of talking and listening to God we have both agreed I should just let myself live!”
“A journey from heaven to hell and back — twice. A truly intense and hopefully life-changing experience.”
“A unique opportunity to walk closely and intimately with Jesus.”
“From dark to light, from the tomb to the womb, union with Christ.”
“After these 30 days I am convinced more than ever that there is a soul, a place where God communicates with us, and more: where he is with us and in us.”
“The spiritual exercises was an eye-opener for me: now I can see more clearly what really matters for me!”
If you are intrigued and interested in making the Spiritual Exercises yourself consider getting in touch. It is possible to make the Exercises in the month-long form described above but you can also make them in ‘stages‘ — three 10 day blocks scheduled flexibly — or, if you live nearby, as a retreat in daily life — often described as a 19th Annotation Retreat — which involves meeting a retreat guide each week for about 30 weeks.