For those who are ready for it and able to free themselves from their other occupations,
St. Ignatius suggests that the Spiritual Exercises be made in the form of a thirty-day retreat. This means separating themselves from family and friends, from television and emails, from phone-calls and newspapers for the duration of the retreat.  It means withdrawing into a period of deep silence and seclusion, and dedicating themselves to four or five hours of prayer each day.

Through fidelity to prayer and reflection and with the assistance of a skilled director, whom they meet on a daily basis, retreatants are led to an encounter with the living God, made known through the person of Jesus, and present and active in their lives. The retreat offers an opportunity for significant growth in the life of faith, in intimacy with God, in self-knowledge and in the perception of one's personal call and direction in life.

Obviously, it is important that those who are considering an undertaking of this magnitude be ready for it.  St. Ignatius himself specifies 'magnanimity and generosity of heart' as the essential inner disposition for those entering the retreat. In addition, experience has taught us to look for certain other requirements in those who wish to make this retreat:

1. some prior experience of silent, individually directed Ignatian retreats, of six or eight days' duration;
2. commitment to a substantial period of daily prayer;
3. experience of regular spiritual direction;
4. a gift for self-reflection, together with some ease in verbalizing it; and
5. the ability to trust another in sharing one's inner life.

> Click here to download a 30-Day Retreat Application Form

> Click here to download a 30-Day Retreat Letter of Recommendation Form

In Manresa we offer the full Spiritual Exercises in
the form of a thirty-day retreat each year during the
summer period.  In 2012, this retreat will take place
between 26 June and 30 July: 34 days in all,
including preparation days and a brief period of
reflection at the end.  In 2013, the 30 Day Retreat
will take place between 25 June and 29 July.

Application forms should be completed and returned
to us by Monday, 2 April, 2012, after which each
applicant will be invited to Manresa for a personal interview.

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