Lent as Pilgrimage: The Journey Toward God
A Day of Reflection for Adults
Monday, March 9, 2026
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Program Cost: $80.00 (includes Lunch)
Summary
The call to leave one’s familiar surroundings and go to sacred places has been a part of the human experience for thousands of years. St. Ignatius referred to himself as a pilgrim viewing life as a journey toward heaven. Come and see what pilgrimage is through the eyes of retreat leaders Nancy Hulsebosch and Paula Kowalkowski who have recently walked part of the Camino de Santiago in Spain. There will be time to explore the beautiful grounds at Bellarmine and walk the labyrinth with instruction from retreat leader Rachel Forton.
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 Leaders
Rachel Forton
Rachel Forton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and Religious Studies from Loras College (Dubuque, Iowa). She served as the Retreat and Communications Coordinator for Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House for six years and completed Ignatian Spiritual Direction Training there before stepping into the role of Women's Ministry Coordinator. She has a passion for helping others find God in all things through spiritual direction and retreat ministry, writing, and editing. Rachel serves on the "Prayer and Care" team of her MOPS Chapter (Mothers of Preschoolers) and finds it a great privilege to minister to women of all ages. Her most recent writings may be found at the Cora Evans website, promoting the cause for canonization of the mid-century mystic, wife, and mother (www.coraevans.com/blog/author
Paula Kowalkowski
Paula Kowalkowski has worked as a music educator on the high school and college level for over 30 years. She currently is the Music Director at St. Thomas Becket Church in Mount Prospect. Ms. Kowalkowski has a Master’s Degree in Contemporary Spirituality and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Loyola University Chicago/Institute of Pastoral Studies. Paula received a Certificate in Spiritual Direction with an emphasis on Ignatian Spirituality from the Midwest Jesuit Province. She has led retreats and speaks at parishes. A widow and mother, Paula is humbled and honored to be a part of the Bellarmine team and is looking forward to walking with you.