Ignatian Contemplation in Nature
A Day of Reflection for Adults
Summary
Experience God’s presence in the natural world through quiet observation and the Ignatian practice of finding the Divine in all things.
Description
A day or evening of reflection, grounded in the Jesuit tradition, is a shorter version of the Ignatian Weekend Retreat. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, a day or evening program is sure to give you the peace and serenity needed to be still and to rest in God's loving embrace.
Your day or evening of reflection includes thematic talks from our skilled Retreat Leaders, time for private prayer, celebration of Mass and a meal.
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.
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
Mark Blancke
Mark Blancke is a theology graduate student at the Jesuit School of Theology, Santa Clara University. Mark has 6+ years of spiritual direction experience - four years in spiritual direction internships, one year as a co-director of a spiritual direction internship program, one year leading a group in Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises in San Quentin prison, and during all 6+ years, providing individual spiritual direction. Mark was formed as a Jesuit for 9 years before discerning out, during a 30-day retreat. Mark practiced as a nurse, serving hospital patients, people with developmental disabilities, and elderly Jesuits. Immediately before his theology studies, he served as the Assistant Superior of a Jesuit infirmary in Clarkston, Michigan. Mark enjoys contemplative ecology, social justice work, poetry, and gardening. Mark has Bachelor's Degrees in Health Science and Nursing, a Master’s in Social Philosophy, and is working on two Master’s Degrees in Theology (with a certificate in Ecological & Social Justice).