DOING A RETREAT?

Who is a retreat geared to?

Retreats at Wickenden Manor are directed by Opus Dei, a personal prelature of the Catholic Church. Opus Dei aims to help people of all walks of life to strive for holiness and to evangelise in a natural manner wherever they are, especially through their daily work.

What is a retreat?

A retreat is a time spent away from your ordinary occupations and in intimate dialog with God, during which you can reflect on how you live your faith in your everyday work, family life and relationships with others. The atmosphere of personal prayer and recollection which is maintained throughout helps you to consider all aspects of your life and identify the areas in which you can improve.

How is the retreat conducted?

Meditations and talks are given by the priest on the central themes of the Catholic faith. These are combined with times for private prayer and examination of conscience, and other devotional exercises such as the Stations of the Cross and the Rosary. Mass is celebrated daily. The retreat is undertaken in silence to facilitate personal prayer and reflection. Participants may also talk with the priest to obtain advice which is appropriate to their specific circumstances.

The meditations and talks cover the following themes:

BEDROOM
  • The meaning of our life
  • God’s designs for humanity
  • Our life in the light of God’s Revelation
  • God and individual freedom
  • Jesus Christ, true God and true man
  • The passion of Christ and the mystery of Redemption
  • Eternal life
  • Family and Christian life
  • The vocations to marriage and celibacy
  • Ordinary work and holiness
  • Prayer and the sacraments in the life of the Christian
  • The greatness of ordinary life
  • The apostolate of the Christian
  • Our Lady, model of sanctity