The Saints of Advent
An Ignatian, Silent Weekend Retreat for Men
December 6 - 8, 2024
Suggested Contribution: $365.00 per person
Groups Attending: Kenosha - Racine, St. Mary - Sycamore, St. Basil (Don Goodwillie) - South Haven, MI
This retreat is currently at capacity or registration is closed. Please call the office at 847.381.1261 with questions.
Summary
As we begin this solemn season of preparation for the coming of Emmanuel, we join with the desires of Advent holy figures: Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Magi, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. These Spiritual Exercises, under the inspiration of Ignatius Loyola, will prepare our souls for the advent of Jesus into our daily lives.
Description
This retreat includes several presentations, daily mass, 6 meals, the opportunity for one-on-one spiritual direction with a trained spiritual director, and many other opportunities to explore our 80 acres and almost 60k square feet of interior space. All activities are optional, but we do ask everyone to respect the quiet of the retreat house for everyone to have the opportunity to read, sleep and reflect in the quiet.
Bellarmine has two libraries, a resource center, two chapels, and many other common areas. Outdoor spaces include a various walking trails, various prayer gardens, a gazebo, stations of the cross, as well as a few patios and outdoor chairs and benches. Each retreatant has their own bedroom.
You can learn more about what to expect by visiting this page.
Retreat Experience Gallery
Bellarmine Main Entrance
Sacred Heart Chapel
Mary McKeon Library
St. Joseph Gazebo
Mother Teresa Garden
Eastern Africa Collection
Fireplace Lounge
Dining Room
Winter on the Grounds
Resource Center
Sacred Heart Statue at Sunset
Susie's Memorial Garden
Madonna Library
Lower Level Lounge
Retreat Leader
Fr. Patrick Fairbanks, SJ
Fr. Fairbanks hails from the Cincinnati area and taught English and religion for many years in the US and overseas. Inspired by the life of Ignatius Loyola and Francis Xavier, he was led to enter the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus in 1989. Fr. Fairbanks studied philosophy, classical languages, and theology at Loyola Chicago and Weston Jesuit School of Theology. Ordained a Jesuit priest in 2000, Fr. Fairbanks served at St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago and then visited Bolivia and Peru as part of his Spanish language training and tertianship experience. In 2006 he was missioned as the Director of Vocations for the Chicago Jesuits and as Rector of the Jesuit Community at St. Ignatius College Prep. Fr. Fairbanks has served as spiritual director for Jesuits, candidates, students, and adults for twelve years. Having pronounced his final vows in 2009, Fr. Fairbanks was assigned as pastor at St. Xavier Church in Cincinnati. He now serves as superior of the Jesuit community in Chicago and Chaplain at St. Ignatius. Among other hobbies, he enjoys traveling, photography, astronomy, the Beatles, camping, country and classical music.