St. Ignatius recommended that, as far as possible, a person desiring to enter more deeply into relationship with God or to commit one’s life more fully to God’s service, should take time for prayer with as few distractions as possible: “the more the soul is in solitude and seclusion, the more fit it renders itself to approach and be united with its Creator and Lord; and … the more it disposes itself to receive graces and gifts from the infinite goodness of its God.”
Here at OLPH, we have designed the accommodations in Villa I (“St. Bernard") to serve your spiritual needs in this way. Villa I is designated for those who desire to make a silent retreat, with or without spiritual direction (for more information, see the Retreats section above). The Villa's four rooms each have a single bed, full bath, and screened porch.
The kitchenette is furnished with a toaster oven, coffee maker, and microwave, and the pantry and refrigerator are stocked with items for continental breakfast and snacks throughout your stay.
Villa I also has a private chapel with the Blessed Sacrament reposed in the tabernacle for guests who are on a silent retreat. For priests staying with us, this chapel also has everything you need to celebrate Mass. When the grounds and St. Joseph Chapel are being used by other retreat groups, this chapel provides a place for prayer that remains quiet and removed from other activities here at the Center.