Thoughts on Manresa Retreat House

Sounds creepy as hell.

If I want to go to the woods with a bunch of dudes it will involve the hunting camp, lots of bourbon and some poker playing. Silent introspection will not be part of the plan.

Know a guy that goes every year....most racist, judgmental fella Ive ever met. You don't need a retreat with others to get in touch with whats inside of you.

My paw in law has been asking me to go for years and I finally went last year for the first time.

I'm not very religious at all, but I enjoyed it, as it is very relaxing. There are several talks throughout the day and a rosary one day, then the way of the cross the next. All of these are optional, and you can participate in as much or as little as you choose. I went to the talks, but didn't do the rosary or WOtC.

I'm a talkative person and by Sunday I was ready to GTFO, but I did enjoy it. Silence starts after dinner on Thursday and ends before lunch on Sunday. And speaking of, you won't go hungry there, that's for sure. We also had the option of beer at lunch and wine with supper.

I went because PIL had been asking, and always said if I don't like it, there's no pressure to return. I thought it wasn't for me, but couldn't give an honest opinion without trying it. I'll be going back this year.

ETA I'm 31.

I've gone for the last 10 years or so. The grounds and accomodations are great. The food is phenomenal and they serve beer at lunch and wine at dinner. Oh, and the desserts are top notch if you are into apple pie, ice cream and mississppi mud.

It's not 100% silent as you still go to mass, listen to the retreat master 3-4 x's per day, and say morning and evening prayers together as a group. But you're not on your phone and you're not talking with other retreatants.

There's 110+ men there every weekend throughout the year and most that go have been going years.

Once you've done it once you realize that you never really have another opportunity to just be quiet for 3 straight days. It is a total recharge of your battery and a great time to reflect on life, family and sort out difficulties you may be dealing with. For me it's a great time to just talk to God like a friend and then shut up and just listen.

Awesome experience, I have gone since 1996 with a couple of breaks for work interruptions that I regret and will not let happen again.

I'll be going for my retreat next weekend. Can't wait.

Food is awesome as well which doesn't hurt.

Is this a protestant thing?

I go to mine in 2 weeks...this will be my 10th year.



A.M.D.G.

I've been to Grand Coteau (also run by Jesuits) for a silent retreat and it was great. Will probably go again next yr.

interesting to me that every single poster in this thread who has actually attended posted positive comments and most all say they are going back again...

this has grabbed my interest...