If someone is seeking God,
God is seeking them much more

St. John of theCross

OUR PROGRAMME

Find your spiritual path

Everyone is on their own journey and each person will grow their spirituality and relationship with God in a different way. With this in mind, we offer a diverse programme of courses, workshops and retreats – but always with the emphasis on self-reflection and spiritual enrichment. 

Guided Prayer Week 

This programme option gives you the opportunity to take a break from your busy life with a mini-retreat – guided by an experienced prayer guide. Our visitors and pilgrims find this a valuable way to deepen their relationship with prayer while getting to know the lessons of the Scripture better.  

Each day you will meet briefly with your prayer guide, at an agreed time – with at least one hour a day set aside for private prayer. Through the week, you will grow your love for and faith in the Lord, who loves you. 

Day Retreats and Courses

We offer a wide variety of Day Retreats, most of which take place on Saturdays so that you can accommodate this valuable time within your weekly schedule. You will enjoy the benefit of talks and presentations from guest lecturers and members of our community, sharing their knowledge and experience of diverse themes and concepts. Each Day Retreat, beginning at 10 am and closing off at 4pm, also incorporates time for reflection, prayer and worship. Tea and coffee are provided. 

The Centre also runs occasional, ad hoc courses which usually take place in the evening and run for several weeks. 

Individually Guided Retreats

This experience invites you to enjoy a gentle four or six-day time of reflection on scripture and prayer. As a participant you will meet with your guide each day to share how you feel the scripture relates to your lived experiences. No expertise is required – simply a desire to deepen your faith and inner life. Please note, our Individually Guided Retreats are not counselling sessions or scripture study groups.  

Private Retreats

For private getaways we provide guest accommodation in our eight ensuite bedrooms – one of which is modified for people with disabilities or who use wheelchairs. Each room includes a chair and table, armchair, wardrobe space and tea/coffee making facility. 

You may also choose to stay in one of our two self-contained hermitages located within our grounds and offering quiet isolation. Each hermitage is ensuite and includes cooking amenities. 

All Private Retreats are self-catering, and we offer use of our fully equipped kitchenette. Breakfast cereal is provided. Please note, a variety of supermarkets are within a five to ten-minute walk of Avila.