Finding God Within
In the silence of a directed retreat, we make space to listen. We step out of our usual routines and become more attentive to the God who is always present and at work in our lives.
Drawing on the wisdom of the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius, the retreat invites you to pray with your own experience and notice the subtle ways God speaks through your desires, relationships, joys, struggles and hopes. Supported by a spiritual director, you are accompanied in discerning where God may be leading you at this time in your life.
Whether you arrive seeking clarity, renewal, healing or simply time with God, you are welcomed just as you are.
What Are the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises?
The Spiritual Exercises are the legacy of St Ignatius of Loyola. Originally developed over 500 years ago, they offer a structured way to seek and find God in all things. These Exercises are practical ways to grow in spiritual freedom and discern the unique call of God in your life. They underpin every retreat we offer, providing a map for your interior journey.
What Happens on a Silent Retreat?
Residential Experience
Our Silent Directed Retreats are fully residential, offering you a simple, comfortable place to rest, pray, and be attentive to God. You are welcome into quiet, well-appointed rooms, with options for private or shared facilities. Linen is provided, and each space is intentionally uncluttered, supporting your silence, reflection, and rest.
Meals are freshly prepared with care and served in shared dining spaces, including hot meals, salads, fruit, and simple treats for morning and afternoon tea, with tea and coffee available throughout the day.
There are spaces to support your retreat: chapels for prayer, quiet rooms for spiritual direction, and grounds for walking and contemplation.
We offer silent retreats from our own centres amongst the vineyards and wide horizons of Sevenhill South Australia and the gardens and bushland in Pymble Sydney; and from other beautiful venues in Brisbane, Melbourne and Victoria.
Wherever your retreat, the environment itself becomes part of your retreat—inviting stillness, spaciousness, and a deeper attentiveness to God’s presence.
The Gift of Silence
You will enter into a sustained period of silence. This is not just the absence of speech, but a positive, creative environment that allows your inner life to speak.
Daily Spiritual Direction
Each day you will meet with a trained spiritual director. They will accompany you, helping you to notice and reflect on the movements of your prayer and experience.
Personal Prayer and Reflection
Your time is largely your own to spend in prayer with scripture, contemplative walking, or simply resting in the presence of the Divine.
Stories of Transformation
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
Who Can Attend a Silent Retreat?
Our retreats are open to all people of goodwill. Whether you are a lifelong practitioner of faith, a seeker looking for meaning, or someone exploring spirituality for the first time, you are welcome.
You do not need to be an expert in prayer. You only need a heart that is open to the invitation of stillness.
Preparing for Your Retreat
- Slow Down Early: In the days leading up to your retreat, try to reduce your digital intake and commitments to help your mind settle.
- Pack for Comfort: Bring comfortable walking shoes, a journal, and any personal items that help you feel at ease in nature.
- Let Go of Expectations: Try not to set a “to do” list for God. Come with an open heart rather than a set agenda.
- Trust the Silence: Understand that silence can feel strange at first. Trust the process and your spiritual director to guide you through this transition
Why Choose JISA Silent Retreats?
Authentic Tradition
We offer the genuine Ignatian path, delivered by an organisation with centuries of wisdom.
Expert Accompaniment
Our spiritual directors are professionally trained in the art of listening and discernment.
Sacred Australian Spaces
Retreat locations across Australia are chosen for their natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
