Besides the silence, one of the unique characteristics of Manresa Retreats is that no scheduled event is compulsory.  Attendees can walk the grounds, stay in their room or participate in the scheduled program.  Some do not even attend meals choosing instead to engage in fasting.  I must confess that missing a Manresa meal is a real sacrifice.  Home cooking, Cajun and Creole style, is the trademark.  Each meal is a feast for the body, each lecture powerful food for the soul—an unbeatable combination.

            The Jesuit staff avails themselves to retreatants.  Each day during break periods, if one chooses, one can schedule fifteen to thirty minutes with a priest.  These private sessions are an opportunity to talk to someone about any spiritual or personal concern.  Jesuits are wonderfully educated and understanding priests.  They have a worldly view that brings wisdom to any issue.  Their education and experiences allow them to suggest sensible and practical solutions to complex concerns.  For participants with a heavy load on their soul, this can also serve as a time for repentance and confession.  Like many events during a retreat, these sessions can change a life.

            Two final unique things about the retreat:  First, it is open to everyone.  While run by Catholic priests, being Catholic is not a requirement.  People of any faith are accepted.  The other is that there is no required payment to attend.  Participants are told what the individual costs are but a bill is never presented.  Everyone is provided an unmarked envelope in which to deposit their payment, whatever that is.  No one but you and God knows how much you have contributed.  Some are very generous.  Others give what they can afford.  It is a system that apparently works because monies received each week are sufficient to cover expenses and maintain this beautiful facility.

            The power of Manresa’s silence gives me an opportunity to bring clarity and focus to my life.  Reflecting on the past and how the months ahead can be approached is a much clearer process in the Manresa environment.  I have learned how to be a better person and accept the challenges life brings.  I have learned how to forgive my weaknesses and grow my strengths.  I have learned how to become more tolerable of others and myself.  Silence is a powerful stimulator.

            True success is multidimensional.  One must have mental, physical and spiritual elements to fully develop and maximize our gifts and talents we bring into this world.  For those reading these words, my wish is that you find your “Manresa Experience” as you move through the years of life.