Experiencing the call of God's love, St. Ignatius of Loyola was impassioned to live his life in radical conformity to the mind and heart of Christ. Led to guide others in responding to this same call, he left a written record, The Spiritual Exercises, for those who would carry on this ministry. In an atmosphere of silence, and with the assistance of a spiritual director, this eight day retreat offers sacred space for an extended prayer experience based on The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Once your registration is submitted, you will receive additional guidelines to help you prepare for this retreat. Prior experience with an extended period of silence and solitude is recommended. Please Bring a Bible and a notebook/journal.

About the Presenters:

Brendan Hurley, S.J., a Jesuit of the Maryland Province, is Associate Pastor of St. Ignatius Parish in Baltimore, and Director of Xavier House of Prayer.

Marilyn Merikangas, an experienced Spiritual Director, is a member of the Jesuit Center for Spirituality in Washington, D.C. Having received her training at the International Center for the Spiritual Exercises in Guelph, Ontario and at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, she is active in promoting and facilitating the Exercises in Daily Life in parishes and institutions.

Reverend Stephen Wade is an Episcopal Priest and retired Rector of Immanuel Church on the Hill in Alexandria, Virginia. He received his training in Spiritual Direction at the Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts and at Loyola House in Guelph, Ontario. He has served as a guest retreat director at the Eastern Point Retreat House in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Read Reverend Stephen Wade article on Ignatian retreats in the2007 Fall Winter Bridgespages 14-15.

Back to Top

When the prophet Daniel prayed to Yahweh for redemption, he opened his windows and “faced Jerusalem” (Dan. 6:10). When Jesus entered into the ultimate act of forgiveness he “set his face toward Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). In this retreat participants will explore their heart direction toward Jerusalem as they consider the dynamics of Gospel forgiveness for both personal and communal metanoia. Drawing upon art, music, parable and paradigm and pastoral implications, each day will explore various aspects in the process of forgiveness, reconciliation and healing that is the journey to Jerusalem.

Abot the Presenter:

Suzanne Mayer, IHM, Ph.D is an Associate Professor and Advisor in the Pastoral Care and Counseling Program at Neumann College where she is beginning her fifteenth year. Sr.Suzanne also works with a number of groups of religious women as a teacher of formation and human development, consultant, retreat director and lecturer. Licensed as a professional counselor, she serves on numerous committees for the organization for Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) and works for credentialing and licensing. She has contributed to many publications and journals including Human Development, Spiritual Life, Counselling et Spirtualite, Review for Religious, The Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling and Lectionary Homilectics. Holding that the resources for healing already lie within the spirit of each person, Sr. Suzanne engages the depths of that spirit to bring relational integrity back into the lives of those with whom she works.

Back to Top