re: Manresa Retreat in Convent

It's an awesome experience. If you get the chance, go!

I would contact the office. Let them know that you would like to attend. The cost is (I think) $120 per day. But, if you cannot give that (because of financial hard ship) giving less is ok. Obviously , giving more is ok as well. They will try and slot you in somewhere. See if you can get on a winter retreat.

I've been about 4 or 5 times. If you have a good retreat master, you can really get a lot out of it. It's not something I get overly excited for every year but my dad and uncle like it when I go with them so I usually make it.

What's the deal with no talking?

120 per day?!!!!! For what?

This will be my 26th year. I've moved around a few times because I wanted to be there in different parts of the year. Get on the website and go to the calendar. Pick a few retreats you are available and sign up. Most are full but they will put you on a waiting list. Just be ready because you might get called at the last minute.

I suggest it for everyone as many are non Catholic. I am a proud man of Manresa where no one talks to anyone and everyone talks to God.

OP do it and you will never regret it. The silence is the easiest part and very fulfilling. Food is good, Thursday night cocktail party is nice, quiet but nice. Beer is cold and wine is boxed.

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What's the deal with no talking? 120 per day?!!!!! For what?

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Part of deeply understanding just about anything in life requires listening...and talking, electronic devices, etc., all distract from ones ability to listen. For those that have a relationship with their God, Manresa retreat provides the perfect environment for such listening to happen through silence.

Some understand that, some eventually may, and some may never...but for those that want the opportunity to deepen their relationship with their God (not everyone in attendance is Catholic), the silence is an important aspect.

What's interesting is that once you have been in a silent environment for a couple days, you begin to realize just how much of your daily speaking is not necessary or meaningless. You begin to put into perspective the things in your life that really matter.

As I stated earlier, when I was driving away after the retreat, my phone rang--I just did not want to answer it. I was perfectly at peace not having to talk to anyone.

As far as $120 a day goes, that is cheap.
Manresa does not have a fee...they do state that it costs $130 a day to house, feed (3 nice meals a day), and upkeep the magnificent facilities, and ask those that have the means to donate to do so.

In usual Jesuit fashion, no one is ever turned away for lack of finances. No one knows who pays and doesn't. I have a few older retired O-T baller physicians in my group that have been attending for 30+ years, and know many of them they donate $5k apiece annually--and every group has them.

I also understand that Mr. Benson has contributed substantial amounts over the years to help defray the costs so that no man is left out for not being able to pay. The generosity of these folks helps cover for the ones that may not be able to do it themselves.

Manresa is by far the most successful of the 10 or so Jesuit run retreat houses throughout the U.S., and some of the funds generated by Manresa go to help defray the costs and maintenance of the other retreat houses as well.

Show me a hotel that will house you, give access to 10 air conditioned buildings, full cleaning and kitchen staff, theological staff, and give you (3) 5 course meals a day and unlimited drinks for $130 per day, and doesn't send you an invoice...doesn't exist.