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Silence is normal during a retreat. After all, listening requires
silence. But when people leave, they can't stop talking about it.
Here are just a few quotes from some our participants:
"In our world today, the pace is nonstop, go, go, go. The world isn't going to stop and let you jump off. So, I decided to jump off for a while and
grab the solitude & the graces that come with being present with God alone.
What a gentle peace He pours out and with open arms He says, 'Come rest in
me.'"
"For anyone who has doubts about what a retreat can do for them, I urge them
to give it a try. They will at the least enjoy a physical rest - a mini
vacation. This experience can open the door to personal growth a
relationship with God - a renewal of spirit. The possibilities are endless
and the experience unique every time."
"This is truly a blessed and Holy place. This is my 5th retreat here, and
each time I grow deeper and further in my relationship with God. The
ability to put the distractions of everyday life aside for 3 days and focus
on my relationship with God and my fellow man is invaluable."
"This was my 3rd Ignatius House retreat, and each time I learn something
different about God and myself. The silence and beautiful grounds help me
to rest in God's presence and allow Him to enjoy mine. There are no
expectations, no pressures and no goals to meet - just time and solitude to
be still and know He is God."
"The best part is that here, on Holy ground, you stop and find God waiting
for you around every corner. The talks really excite new thoughts and new
ways to 'Be' with God. Meeting one on one with a wise Jesuit priest to
discuss personal problems is like bringing a counselor with you who can
direct your thoughts towards ways to cope."
"Ignatius House is a true blessing to us metro Atlantans. Here the
directors respect that God speaks to the human heart in silence; they
respect that what we need most in our lives today is to 'Be still and know
that I am God.' An Ignatius House retreat allows us to do that."
"Ignatius House provided me with an opportunity for personal discovery. The
world tells you that comfort and security are the hallmarks of happiness.
Your possessions should be new; your house should be spacious; your finances
should be padded to protect you against a rainy day. At Ignatius House I
was struck by the "enough-ness" of its simplicity. Each item had its
purpose. The placement of each chair, each towel, the fountain, the chapel,
the balcony, the lamps - everything was placed to meet a purpose. Nothing
was extra, which meant nothing was extravagant, but nothing was out of
place. If that's not the definition of harmony, what is? In this world,
it's truly a ministry to remind us of the freedom we have in this harmony,
the harmony of 'enough-ness.'"
"There is so much noise in our world, and so many things to do, that the
opportunity the Ignatius House provides simply to be in God's presence and
revel in His word, in His creation, is a profound gift. The setting is
idyllic and a rare treasure: a lovely, secluded and wooded spot on the
Chattahoochee Rive, blanketed with trees, daffodils and flowering shrubs and
serenaded by birds, frogs, owls. And the rooms are clear, simple, private and
comfortable. But the greatest feast is two days of silence and contemplation,
which will touch your soul and open your heart. There is no spa or bath
that can make you feel more full of faith, love and peace."
"I came to this 3-day retreat, looking for a time to rest from my busy life,
work and family included. What I got from it was a realization of what my
life should be and could be. I will change because I have changed. This is
something that will be a part of me forever. I will return and want to tell
others so they can share in this experience and hopefully get the same
feeling that I have now."
"Time is always in short supply. There never seems to be enough to do all
that 'needs' doing. A retreat can help you realize what really 'needs'
doing. I humble suggest that spending more time and quality time with the
Lord will help you in everything you do."
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