VILLA MARIA RETREAT AND CONFERENCE

Our Mission

Villa Maria is an interfaith retreat & conference center sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters for the purpose of assisting people in their spiritual and personal growth. The Center hosts retreats, meetings and visiting groups. Our ministry of hospitality is extended to any individual and group seeking:

- a place of quiet, prayer and the presence of God;

- a setting for building spiritual community;

- a means of enhancing family life;

- personal wholeness;

- an opportunity to grow educationally and culturally;

- the promotion of justice, peace and environmental stewardship.

The Villa Maria staff has been entrusted with a mission by the Ursuline Sisters. We seek to provide time and space for personal renewal and prayer.

Father Tony Kilroy, OP, a retreat director who has led many groups at the Villa, recently said, "You can tell that prayer upholds the Villa. You can feel it and trust it."

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Here are some examples of other comments/stories shared with us by our retreatants.

"Thank you so very much for 'setting the stage' for God to work so powerfully with the 2010 Journey-goers!"

"This is a very fine, beautiful, historical place. Thank you very much for sharing this space with us!"

"I feel so much at home-it is good to know that there is such a place with such a caring community."

"This retreat exceeded new connectedness with spirituality. The facility and grounds have wonderful diversity and the staff are very open and welcoming. Feels like coming 'home' rather than visiting."

"You make things so easy! We love Villa Maria and I know for sure that your hospitality and beautiful retreat center contributed greatly to enrich the hearts and souls of our Women's Fellowship group. We love everything you stand for."

"Thank you for your ministry to help people and the world connect and interconnect. The St. Francis Retreat was inspiring."

"I always feel blessed with the movement of the Holy Spirit as I dwell in this holy space."

"Seems more than ever people need a place like the Villa...thank you for your always welcoming spirit."

"The whole week I felt held in love, beauty, and peace. I am grateful that there is such a wonderful place to be. I am changed."

"The quietness and serenity give room for dedicated fellowship with inner being and thereby reaching God the Creator."

"My first visit…I am so impressed with the attention to every detail and the virtue of Christ-centered hospitality that welcomes every guest."