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The 5-Day Ignatian Retreat

The standard method used in the retreats given by the SSPX is the “Ignatian method,” also known as the “Spiritual Exercises”.

St. Ignatius of Loyola received these Spiritual Exercises directly from the hand of Our Blessed Mother in 1533. In their complete form, these salutary exercises are preached over a 30-day period, but these have been condensed into a short 5-day period in the SSPX’s retreat centers.

Read a history of the Exercises
and their adoption by the SSPX >

During these few “Days of Grace,” each retreatant exercises his intellect, memory and will, by meditating upon their purpose and goal of life (which is to glorify God and save their soul), and upon the mysteries of the life, death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

While practicing these exercises, the retreatant will quickly be convinced that he must first conquer himself so that Christ may live in him, according to the words of St. Paul: “With Christ I am nailed to the Cross” and “I live, now not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Gal. 2 19-20).

An Ignatian Retreat consists of a series of spiritual conferences, structured meditations and an opportunity to make a general confession. Silence is kept throughout the retreat, though the retreatants have the opportunity to speak with a priest for spiritual advice.

So effective are retreats for the development and enrichment of the spiritual life, that it is strongly recommended that Catholics attend a retreat at least once a year.

Why attend a retreat? Some answers to consider...

You have converted recently, and you thirst to learn more about the Catholic Faith that is now at the center of your life.

You want to learn how to live as a good Christian in this corrupted world. Attend a 5-day Ignatian retreat: there you will get the straight answers you seek.

You’re burdened with sin and don’t know how to deal with it. There is an answer for you: the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. There, you will find the strength and weapons for victory.

You’ve been a Catholic a long time, even your whole life. Now you feel that your practice of religion is becoming routine. At times, you even have doubts about the Catholic Faith or Tradition. You really need to straighten out your life before it’s too late: so attend a retreat soon!

You’re about to make important decisions that will affect your career, the future of your family, or the education of your children… A retreat will give you the best opportunity to make the right decision, putting everything in the right place. Take time to think about such decisions during a good retreat!

You want to become more fervent and improve your spiritual life: you need the Spiritual Exercises. It is a proven method, approved by the Church and recommended by many saints.

“But, I have no time!” Actually this isn’t true: if you really want to come, you will find the time. This is a very serious matter: the eternal salvation of your soul. If you review your schedule, you will find a 5-day timeframe that can work for you.

“But, I am not very educated!” That doesn’t matter: like the preaching of Our Lord, the Ignatian Exercises can be grasped by all men.

“Others may need a retreat, but I don’t.” Are you so sure you will become a saint? Retreatants have frequently told us afterwards that they had no idea how much they needed their retreat.

Associated links:

• History of the Ignatian Exercises

• Excerpt from Meditantibus nobis

• Pope Pius XI on the Spiritual Exercises

St. Ignatius Retreat House
Ridgefield, CT

St. Aloysius Gonzaga Retreat Center
Los Gatos, CA

Our Lady of Sorrows Retreat House
Phoenix, AZ

Jan 16-21, 2012
March 12-17
May 21-26
July 9-14
Sept 17-22
Nov 12-17

Jan 2-7, 2012
Feb 6-11
March 19-24
April 30-May 5
July 30-Aug 4
Sept 10-15
Oct 22-27

Dec 12–17
Feb 20-25, 2012
April 23-28
June 18-23
Aug 13-18
Oct 15–20
Dec 10–15
 

Jan 16-21, 2012
Sept 18-22
Jan 14-19, 2013

Men’s Virtues
March 28-31

Men’s Marian
Dec 10-15

Women’s Marian
May 7-12

Oct 24-27

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