What's Manresa like?

How will being in Manresa will help me while on retreat?

For Ignatius of Loyola, the advantage of being in a separate place is clear, “As a general rule in making the Exercises, the more one disengages oneself from all friends and acquaintances, and from all worldly preoccupations, the more profit will there be. For example, one can change residence and go to a house or room so as to live there in the most complete privacy possible, with the opportunity to attend mass and vespers each day without fear of acquaintances getting in the way.” (Spiritual Exercises 20)

Online retreats have the advantage of being able to offer both the separation and the guidance that coming to Manresa may offer. 

Indoors

Manresa is a purpose-built modern retreat house, offering a simple environment with minimal distractions. Every retreatant has a private room with their own bathroom facilities. A lift serves all floors.

• The Dining Room - the oldest part of the building used by retreatants - is available for use from early morning, with mealtimes arranged according to the retreat.
• The Pedro Arrupe Chapel is the main Retreat House chapel, used for mass and prayer during retreats.
• The ‘Evie Hone’ Prayer Room presents major work of the Irish stained glass artist, depicting a range of Gospel scenes and Jesuit saints.
• An art room provides basic equipment to help retreatants express their insights and aspirations.
• The Montserrat Room is a large conference room  used for whole group meetings such as at the beginning of a retreat. It also serves as a spacious sitting room, its attractive views enjoyed by retreatants.
• A Tea Room allows retreatants access to light refreshments at any time.

Outdoors

• Labyrinth
  • A generously-scaled mown-grass labyrinth is situated in a wildflower meadow.
• Grounds
  • Mature trees surround mown and wild grass on Manresa's 4.5 hectare (11 acre) site. A paved path allows for walking without having to leave the property.
• Environs
  • Manresa is situated in a UN-designated biosphere of which details can be found here.