The Magis Retreat provides an opportunity to personally experience Ignatian spirituality and aspects of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises.
Over the course of seven days, participants have a chance to slow down, detach from electronics, step back from the demands of work and family life, and rest. They are provided the gift of an abundance of “free time” to relax, and enjoy the beauty and quiet of the retreat grounds. This environment helps one get more in touch with their faith life, values, and spiritual journeys.
Participants of all backgrounds and faith traditions (including no faith traditions) are warmly welcomed to attend the Magis Retreat. Those on retreat are paired with a spiritual director: a companion skilled in Ignatian spirituality whom they meet with each day to talk about their spiritual lives and how they find themselves in this moment of life. ICP spiritual directors offer support, encouragement, and hold up, in confidence, what they are hearing so that the retreatant can affirm or clarify the truth of their experience.
A typical retreat day provides a blend of free and focused time that includes a morning talk by a team member on one of the major themes of Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises; time to meet with one’s spiritual director; and evening reflection and prayer. The days are spent in quiet to allow one’s body, heart and mind to re-energize and to allow the Spirit to awaken in those areas needing attention. ICP staff also offer a few opportunities for participants to connect with one another and further build their cohort community. ICP typically offers two retreat opportunities: one in November at Eastern Point Retreat House in Gloucester, MA, and one in June at the Jesuit Retreat House on the banks of Lake Winnebago in Oshkosh, WI.