Main Grounds Building

Welcome to Manresa House of Retreats

Find Peace on the Mississippi

At Manresa, we offer a transformative retreat experience. Join the over 6,000 men who find solace on the banks of the Mississippi each year, away from the clamor of daily life.

Our Retreat Master will guide you through spiritual exercises, fostering inner reflection and inspiration. When you come on retreat at Manresa, you must embrace silence and connect with your inner spirit.

Main Grounds Building
St. Mary Hall
Loyola Hall
Loyola Hall
Manresa House of Retreats Chapel
Sacred Heart Chapel
Manresa House of Retreats Library
St. Peter Canisius Hall
Manresa House of Retreats Cafeteria
Xavier Hall
Jesuit Offices
Our Lady of Good Counsel Hall

About Manresa House of Retreats

A Place of Spiritual Renewal

Manresa House of Retreats, nestled between Baton Rouge and New Orleans in Convent, Louisiana, offers exclusive three-day silent retreats for men. Our historic 130-acre campus, with buildings dating back to the early 19th century, provides a serene setting.

Join us for weekend or mid-week retreats, guided by a dedicated Director and a team of trained Jesuits. Each retreat offers eleven insightful talks and personal conferences. While we suggest a donation, there is no required fee, and men of all faiths are welcome.

Attendees must be at least 18 years old. With 57 retreat groups, reservations are handled by group captains, and vacancies may be available. Rediscover inner peace at Manresa.

Manresa House of Retreats Chapel
Manresa House of Retreats Grounds

History of Manresa House of Retreats

A Journey through Time

Nestled in Convent, Louisiana, between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Manresa House of Retreats is a haven of tranquility on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Our historic 130-acre campus boasts picturesque buildings dating back to the early 19th century, once home to Jefferson College and later conducted by the Marist Fathers as St. Mary's Jefferson College. In 1931, the Jesuits acquired the property to establish a retreat house.

Spiritual Exercises

These exercises invite the "retreatant" or "exercitant" to meditate on central aspects of Christian faith, such as creation, sin and forgiveness, calling, and ministry.

The Spiritual Exercises are an organized series of spiritual practices created by Ignatius of Loyola based on his personal spiritual experiences and those of others he listened to.

Ignatian Spirituality

Explore the world of Ignatian spirituality through these exercises, guiding meditation on Christian faith and fostering spiritual freedom.

St Mary's

Flexible Practices

Experience the "Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life (SEDL)," a part-time option adaptable to your schedule, allowing you to engage in daily prayer and guidance.

Jesuit Offices

Retreats in the Ignatian Spirit

Embark on an Ignatian retreat lasting from a weekend to a week, including individual or group sessions to prepare for prayer and spiritual exercises.

Manresa House of Retreats Cafeteria

A Legacy of Learning

Ignatius's holistic approach to teaching and learning has influenced education over four centuries, with millions of copies printed, leaving a profound impact on spirituality and education.

Manresa House of Retreats Chapel
Jesuit Offices

The Manresa Retreat Experience

Manresa On The Mississippi is a retreat aimed at making one fully open and available to the Lord, guided by St. Ignatius' call for silence.

This includes refraining from conversation with fellow retreatants, except during Mass, Benediction, Rosary, Way of the Cross, and prayers.

The retreat's goal is to deepen one's understanding of the Lord, leading to a more loving and following relationship with Him.

Manresa House of Retreats Walkway

Attend

These exercises invite the "retreatant" or "exercitant" to meditate on central aspects of Christian faith, such as creation, sin and forgiveness, calling, and

Main Grounds Building