Every retreat is unique, yet many retreatants describe a similar experience: discovering God’s presence in a deeper way, finding renewed clarity, and returning to daily life with a greater sense of freedom, gratitude, and hope. Here, four retreatants share something of the grace they received through an Ignatian silent residential retreat.

Emerging from my silent retreat, I found my daily life reshaped. My commitment to prayer, especially the daily Examen, has deepened. I notice more of God’s presence in the ordinary moments – pausing at a window during a busy day at work and catching sight of the blue sky and whispering gratitude. It’s like the pipe of my life full of moss and grime, has been cleared out. There are still remnants of the past, but God’s grace flows more freely now.
Trevor, retreatant

Taking some time out to reflect more deeply on the trajectory of my life. As a busy working mother, I find time is precious. I remember pre-kids being able to take a six-day retreat without blinking an eye, then babies came along, and six hours was a luxury! This year, I treated myself to a six-day retreat and it was so worth it. To take myself away and pause, notice the movements of my heart, and discern how to move forward with God. All with the accompaniment of a gifted spiritual director.
Elizabeth, retreatant

One of the things I found most helpful was the colloquy, being able to sit and share with Jesus like I would my best friend. Sharing everything not just the good but also the bad. The Examen was something I didn’t practice a lot before but now it is such an important prayer every night, it makes me appreciate and give thanks for everything I have encountered in my day. It’s surprising how small things can have an impact on me, especially nature.
Diane, retreatant

For me this silent retreat was a wonderful experience. On a secular level, it was a chance to ‘stop the world and get off’, but the spiritual component meant so much more. Being silent did not mean there was no meaningful conversations, being alone did not mean being lonely, and being by myself did not mean being deprived of contact – I felt the Shepherd’s embrace promised in Psalm 23. And I returned to the world rested and a little more enthusiastic and joyful.
Michele, retreatant

Perhaps their stories resonate with your own longing for stillness, clarity, or a deeper relationship with God. If so, the invitation to retreat may be waiting for you too.

Find out more about an Ignatian Silent Retreat with JISA here.