Why Attend a Retreat?

Many wonder, “why would I go to a silent retreat; I can just pray on my own?” St. Teresa of Avila and St. Alphonsus both state the necessity of mental prayer to living a life in the state of grace. The break, and silence, away from the noise of the world allow a period of intense prayer that brings both grace and growth towards a life of contemplation. As many Saints have said, meditation or mental prayer is truly a conversation with Christ. The goal of the retreat isn’t fulfilled at the end, rather, it is for the person to carry this grace into his/her life, practicing mental prayer/meditation daily so that they may grow in the love of God and sanctify the world. Many spiritual masters recommend at least an annual retreat in order to refresh one's habit of mental prayer.