Retreat-Holidays
Malta Individually Guided Retreats
We can arrange Individually Guided Retreats (IGRs) in Malta at dates to suit you, subject to availability. These retreats follow an approach devised 500 years ago by St Ignatius (hence "Ignatian"):-
You have a daily session with a retreat guide whose primary role is to listen and to help you discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit. This session may last anything from 20 minutes to an hour or more. The guide suggests a focus for your prayer over the next 24 hours - generally one or more passages of Scripture.
The rest of the time is spent in silence, so that other voices don't drown out that of the Holy Spirit. If you have never done this before, it may sound daunting, but actually it can be a relief not to have to make small talk when you are journeying to encounter God.
You are, of course, free to come and go as you wish - you'll doubtless want to make some trips out - but generally people find that they get more out of the retreat if they spend most of the time being rather than doing. The grounds are extensive and prayerful, with benches in the shade commanding wonderful views.
Prices
From £799, depending on dates and departure airport chosen. Ask us to quote.
What is included:
Flights and taxes; transfers between airport and the retreat house; full board with en suite room for seven nights; wine and filtered water at table; tea and coffee; the services of your retreat guide/leader. For the Holy Week and Easter retreat: visits as described in the programme.
What is not included:
Travel between home and UK airport; personal expenses; fuel surcharges; any increase in Air Passenger Duty after 17 July 2009; food and drink on the journey; drinks other than those specified above; telephone; taxis; insurance: valid insurance is obligatory. Pilgrim Travel can offer insurance cover, subject to conditions. The norm in retreat-houses is that cleaners do not intrude into your room during your stay.
Flights
Flights to Malta are available from a range of UK airports and we will do our best to find flights which are convenient for you. However, out of consideration for our hosts in Malta, we avoid using flights which arrive there in the middle of the night.
Accessibility
At Mount St Joseph, there is a lift to all floors and two of the bedrooms are adapted for disabled users.
The grounds of the house are fairly flat, but there is a drop of about three feet from the main, unfenced path (see photo, left), so it would not be suitable for someone who was unsteady on their feet. The ten-minute walk into Mosta town is down quite a steep hill and the terrain is quite rough, even in the streets of the town.
We regret that we are unable to accept the responsibility of looking after people who know before they travel that they have serious problems of health or mobility.
All arrangements are subject to change.
What do our clients say about it?
Here is a letter received from someone who made an individually guided retreat at Mount St Joseph in June 2009:
As promised, I am writing to give you some feedback on my retreat in Malta and I particularly wanted to say what an incredible experience the week was - in every aspect.
Mount St Joseph is a truly wonderful place and I was made very welcome and "felt at home" throughout the week. The comfortable and spacious accommodation, the nutritious (and very generous) meals, the peaceful surroundings and the friendly and approachable MSJ Jesuit Community and staff made my retreat a really memorable experience.
I must also mention my retreat guide in particular. He was an excellent communicator and listener, and allowed me to set the pace of the retreat throughout the week. There was also an opportunity for me to do some sight-seeing, and Malta really is the "Mediterranean's best kept secret". Selfish of me I know, but I hope that it remains so for a little while longer, because I would like to return one day to discover more about this wonderful "haven of spirituality".
Thank you for all your help and assistance in organising my retreat and I look forward to joining you for either a retreat-holiday or another individually guided retreat in the future.
Malta
Printable information sheet 2010