Ignatian Contemplation in Nature
A Day of Reflection for Adults
Summary
Jesus invites us to embrace childlike wonder, while Ignatius encourages us to discover God's presence in all things. This retreat offers prayerful reflection and imaginative contemplation with creation as a sacred reflection of God's presence, and guides us into a deep, heartfelt encounter with the Divine. As we refresh our eyes, return to humility, and open ourselves to awe and wonder, we catch a glimpse of how God sees—the beauty, the mystery, and the surprises that surround us.
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 Pastoral Associate at Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House, where he is the Co-Lead Faculty of Bellarmine Spiritual Direction Internship, Faber Circle spiritual director and retreat leader. He has 6+ years of providing individual spiritual direction - four years in spiritual direction internships, one year as a co-director of a spiritual direction internship program, and one year leading a group in Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises in San Quentin prison.
Mark was formed as a Jesuit for 9 years and now is pursuing his vocation as a layperson. During Mark’s time as a Jesuit, he tutored in a Cristo Rey school, taught catechism in diverse contexts, was a core assistant at L’Arche Daybreak, taught at Redcloud High School on Pine Ridge Reservation, served at Misericordia assisting individuals with developmental disabilities in their greenhouse, art studio, and with the most severely compromised as a nurse. Mark has served as a prison chaplain in several different prisons helping with retreats, a prisoner-led Restorative Justice program, and doing one-on-one visitations. Mark served as the Assistant Superior of Colombiere, a Jesuit infirmary, coordinating elderly Jesuits’ care at the end of their lives, working various nursing roles, and spiritual director. During his time at Colombiere, he led a ten-acre habitat restoration project, while also maintaining bees, chickens, and a garden. He last served in an African-American parish singing in their choir, leading a bible study, and helping with their OCIA and Spiritual Growth ministries.
Mark has Bachelor's Degrees in Health Science and Nursing, a Master’s in Social Philosophy, two Master’s Degrees in Theology, and a certificate in Ecological & Social Justice.