What is an Ignatian, Silent weekend retreat?
Silent retreats are a time for prayer and quiet reflection in the beauty of 80-acres of gently rolling meadows and wooded countryside. Based in the Jesuit tradition, the Ignatian, silent retreat offers an opportunity to find a more deeply profound and personal relationship with God. A Retreat Leader prepares thematic talks based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
A quiet atmosphere allows the possibility for you to hear God speaking within you. Come to the sacred silence of Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House and experience God working in your deepest desires to give you hope, healing, and faith to return to your life in a graced way.
A women's only weekend retreat at Bellarmine is a special time to invite silence into your soul and to rest in quiet communion with God. After meeting other retreatants over dinner the first evening, the silence begins as you quietly enter the Sacred Heart Chapel. The Retreat Master will give the first of a series of talks founded on St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises. These thematic talks will guide you as you listen for God’s voice in the stillness of your heart.
The Spiritual Geography of our Soul
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women
May 2 - 4, 2025
Suggested Contribution: $365.00 per person
Retreat Leader:
Phil Cooley, SJ
Through the desert of our struggle, the mountaintops of our experience, and the depths of our love for God, we will journey with the Spiritual Exercises as a roadmap and the Holy Spirit as our compass. In this weekend retreat, we will rediscover landmark graces and survey new areas of consolation.
Groups Attending: Individuals
Anamchara: The Soul Friend
A Day of Reflection for Women
Friday, May 9, 2025
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Retreat Leader:
Rosanne Coury
True friendship is a powerful gift. We yearn for close companionship. From early childhood until our last days, we seek out people with whom we can share our lives. We depend on these deep relationships increasingly as we grow in experience, age, wisdom, and grace.
During this day of reflection, we explore the ancient tradition of the Anamchara, the Celtic “soul friend.” Together we will reflect on the purpose and meaning of the Anamchara, its ancient Celtic context, how it fits into the Christian worldview, and ways it can spiritually serve us as 21st century women.
Join us in reflecting how women can companion each other in spirituality and friendship.
Program Cost: $75.00 (includes Lunch)
Love Never Fails
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women
October 10 - 12, 2025
Suggested Contribution: $380.00 per person
Retreat Leader:
Lauren Hackman-Brooks
How do we respond to Jesus’ instruction to love our neighbor during these polarized times? This retreat engages us in the spiritual work of more freely and fully loving God, ourselves, and others—even (and especially!) those whom we find it hard to love.
Groups Attending: Individuals
In Gratitude for our Mind, Body, and Spirit
An Ignatian, Semi-Silent Overnight Retreat for Women
November 21 - 22, 2025
Suggested Contribution: $280.00 per person
Retreat Leaders:
Erin Maiorca & Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ
St. Ignatius Loyola's Spiritual Exercises suggest care for both soul and body. During this retreat we will celebrate the double gifts of our bodies and souls. We will unify our prayers with our breath, and our breath with our movements. We will have sessions to nourish the mind and sessions where we practice Tai Chi. Beginners welcome.
Groups Attending: Individuals
A Retreat with St. Peter: Growing from Sinner to Saint
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women
January 30 - February 1, 2026
Suggested Contribution: $380.00 per person
Retreat Leader:
Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ
Experience the Spiritual Exercises by taking a deep dive into the life of Simon, named Peter, the rock, by Jesus. Just as he has two names, so he has two distinct sides to his personality. He is gentle, but bold; foolish, yet wise, and human. Together we’ll pray about what it means to belong to a Church that is larger than the sum of its members.
Groups Attending: Individuals
Prayer in Real Life
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Women
May 1 - 3, 2026
Suggested Contribution: $380.00 per person
Retreat Leader:
Vinita Hampton Wright
Prayer isn’t just for quiet moments—it’s meant to weave through the ordinary rhythms of our days. This retreat invites you to explore practical, meaningful ways to connect with God in the midst of real life. Through reflection, conversation, and quiet time, discover how prayer can be a steady companion—whether in joy, struggle, work, or rest.
Groups Attending: Individuals