Reflections from the last retreat, and over the years...

All who come here are so well taken care of! Our souls find rest. Thank you.

​Thank you for the warmest welcome!

Blessings to all who offer welcome, peace and invitation to ponder to pilgrims who chance upon this lovely oasis.

Deep gratitude to Carol, Jane, Mona, Jim and Mary o and the the graces of this holy place. I was welcomed and restored as I cocooned in its wintry embrace.

Tucked into those trees and covered in the warmth of a snowfall. Maryholme is a centre of peace, kindness and warmth.

This was exactly what I needed to reconnect with myself and with God. In this instance I really needed a self directed retreat and am so grateful for the comfortable and well appointed cabin. The whole place exudes graciousness and hospitality.

This place is so 'held'.

I and my soul are fed here.

As always, re-connecting with the healing/wholing energy and spirit of this sacred space has been renewing in deep ways. Choosing to give this length of time to rooting myself more deeply in the Ground of All Being was essential to continuing my journey through this uncertain and mysterious time.
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I longed to be here all summer but never made it. As usual, I felt at home, even with masks. Enjoyed the spirit of the place and the silence. Food was great, and sitting by the lake was relaxing and nourishing. Thanks to everyone for making it possible to be here even in these hard times. It is a real refuge and a place to boost your spirits and get away from the realities we face away from here.

Everything was done to make us feel safe and comfortable and at home.

Glad to see this continue to be a resource in difficult times.

​This is the most beautiful place. I have been coming here for 20 years with a group, but have always wanted to come on my own and stay in one of the cabins. I had everything I needed. The very busy squirrels were an endless source of delight & entertainment during my stay. During these challenging times, as the whole world deals with the pandemic, I am so grateful to have Maryholme in my life. Spending 3 days here gives me what I need to go back out into my world/the world t share whatever I can with others, with love. Thank you all, for all you do.

​I needed a dose of quiet in nature after 6 months in an apartment during COVID restraints and before the cold weather sets in.  It also appealed to me that there is an introspective, contemplative atmosphere here. 
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I came to this retreat weary and stressed. I needed time and a place of stillness and healing. The beauty and peace of Maryholme and the see guidance of my director allowed me to experience the inner peace I needed and the affirmation of my journey to deepening union with God. Thank you.

For this particular time, being out of the city among the trees and by the water/in the water, was pure gift! It was truly healing.

​It's like "coming home".

​Fantastic!! (I've been feeling very anxious lately and I desperately needed a getaway where I could pray, reflect, walk and be by the water to sit & stare, kayak, and swim. I'm 100%satisfied.)

​So great! This is my 2nd annual trip & I will be back for a 3rd! Also increasing my stay time :)

Such a gift to be here... SILENCE. canoeing! Swimming, spiritual direction. This place, so cared for, so held... Thank you all the staff & sisters & volunteers who make it possible. Divine Presents. Divine Presence...

I just loved being here. The house is so welcoming. The property so wild & yet so looked after. The attention to the land the First Nations, the Cosmos! Jesus & GOD, silent presences, not overt or forced. So much attention & inattention. I was able to relax, pray, meditate, commune, learn, discover, go deep, recreate, retreat, enjoy myself!

​This place, these people, these creatures, provide the kind of respite I crave. I shall return.
P.S. I just want to congratulate Maryholme for your efforts and success at making this place safe in these Covid-times.

I experienced a deeper sense of the heartfulness practice & how it can lead to silence, and experienced deep rest.

This was exactly what I needed & every time I come, I feel so relaxed, rejuvenated & renewed. Thank you to your entire team!

I love coming here. It is very peaceful & affirming. Nature is especially important to me, I find it very healing, as is this space & the quiet. I am very grateful for this opportunity & hope to come again.

I am grateful for this refuge of quiet and tranquility, where the practices taught guide me in my discernment and lead me to a deeper knowing, in the stillness of my heart. I'm also grateful to learn that the path, and the lessons are ongoing - fall down, get back up, be en-COURAGE-d! The other women held me in great love.

Thanks so much for opening during Covid & making all the preparations necessary to so! xo

Thank you for this beautiful place to help us heal...

Thank you, (again), for the gift of this place! May it continue to bless all who enter and may those who leave, be a blessing to the world!

​Despite it being a very busy time at work, I felt that I had to come here now. Maryholme is a place of refuge, a place of beauty and peace, and I love this sacred space and the people who make it what it is. Thank you! I can't wait to come back.

​The property, house, people and energy of Loretto Maryholme make the whole experience of being here feel like a welcoming, warm embrace. Thank you from the bottom of my very full heart!

​Everyone felt that they were in a safe place, a place where they were accepted for who they are. Love this place and wish I could spend more time here.

As soon as I stepped out of my car, I saw the beauty and felt the peace, natural energy and spirituality. There was calmness everywhere.

​Blown away by how "safe" and welcoming I felt. The food was amazing and the views were soothing... I can't wait to return to re-ground myself.

This place greets you like a warm hug from an old friend; it's magical...I leave here calmed, relaxed, refreshed, recharged, renewed - both physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually. All said - I'll see you again soon! Thank you for providing this nearby oasis with its incredible healing power. Peace be with you.

Profound gratitude for the divinity that is & surrounds Loretto Maryholme. The space - with all its blessings - allowed me to take great strides in returning HOME to the divine within me. Thank you.

​This (Silent) retreat has been a gift, the soul food I needed at the time I needed it - thank you."

​Spirit-filled! Bless you! Thank you to all who work keep this place available to others in order to nourish their soul so they may hope to come again!

A wonderfully spirited oasis of peace & tranquility. I feel refreshed, centred  and one within myself,  ready to take that with me and spread to others on my journey.

First, the experience of Lightness -  Just as the main house basks in natural light, the program itself had a lightness to it. Focused yes, but with the freedom to let the Spirit flow. Second, the word for me is Restorative - I needed a place to rest and heal and everything made that possible - Shalom.

I'm tremendously grateful for the opportunity to become still and listen for God's quiet voice. 8 Days was (almost :)) long enough to still the external and internal "busyness"  in order to truly listen and be transformed. God bless the space you provide and the work you do here! Thank you!

It was a wonderful week to just BE. It was like being on vacation with God.

Thank you so much for providing a space of tranquility and beauty. Each year there are improvements and new features: the fountain, awnings, A/C, which only enhance an already previous and sacred space. Thank you.

Listening to the birds singing and accompanying me these days nourished me. Listening to the water restored my soul. The flowers so varied and so colourful were a feast for my eyes. The many trees provided shade and the Linden tree gave a luscious scent that stopped me in my tracks everyday. I felt led by God in all of the above as well as a special word, words from scripture psalms and songs. God gave so abundantly and I am very grateful for all the graces and blessings.

This is a magical place. The silence makes it possible to appreciate the changing sky and lake, the birds & foxes, the labyrinth. I especially appreciate the commitment to living in harmony with nature and returning parts of the land to its original state. Prayer comes easily here.

​A very gentle pace in which the focus is clearly a deepening experience of the divine. Surrounded by the Earth Community lends support.

The four days if being present in a community of silence sprinkled with chairing was wonderful! It is so easy to connect with the divine in such a beautiful loving & peaceful place. I'm leaving feeling energized yet peaceful, inspired and contented but especially grateful. 

I'm grateful that a quiet, safe place is here for me to come and "be". The retreat accommodation and flow were an easy, learning space to be with myself and with God. I feel refreshed and fed by my stay, will take this away with me and return to refresh another time. 

Thank you to everyone at Loretto Maryholme for this heaven on earth. 
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First time here. What a glorious and special place. Great space to reflect, and stop and enjoy the moment.

​This is the perfect place to laugh, carry on, get serious, cry, hug, gather, share, smile, wish well and leave fulfilled after a great retreat.

​I came with an open heart. I had a wonderful experience of just being, listening, observing, quieting down. I leave with an amazing sense of peace, joy and connection to spirit. I am most thankful for this experience.

I am drawn to keep returning here. It's a home away from home - safe, quiet, and a feeling of love permeates the place. Thank you for everyone who blesses this place with their service - in all ways.

This is the most peaceful and serene place that I've ever had the pleasure of visiting.

What a paradise! I love this place. Thank you for your incredible hospitality.

Thank you for this beautiful, tranquil space - so needed in our modern world.

What a beautiful escape away. Thank you for your gracious hospitality.

This is the most wonderful place in the world.

I am very grateful to God and to the wonderful staff for such a restful, peaceful stay here. The setting is breath-taking!

Thanks for everything! LOVE being at my 'second home', as always. My soul is always fed here...

I arrived resigned and I left inspired. Thank you.

Entirely generous is Maryholme and all its people. I am like a newly watered crocus. Thank you.
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​So thankful for this time and place to settle. Thank you so much for your loving hospitality.

So grateful for the silence - the great space it opened in me!

Thank you for this beautiful gift of quiet, peace & calm.  

The retreat was a 'good and perfect' gift for me - the perfect time and restful location along with the gift of 'good' spiritual direction.

Thank you so much. This is a place and people who encourage - where my soul finds rest!
​Deep and prayerful gratitude.

My time here has been blessed - a place of gentle healing, peace and stillness.

Beautiful, calming, relaxing, I love the property. It is such a peaceful, grounding experience to be here. My time away allowed me to get quiet and get clarity on my next steps.

As always, I love the grounds, the lake, the comfortable & welcoming atmosphere. The moment I arrive, I know I am on sacred ground, and I immediately start to unwind. I feel close to God and surrounded by God's love & care.

Unrivalled natural beauty carefully stewarded in tune with nature.
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A blessing, bountiful and healing. From the generosity of my beautiful room to the beautiful grounds, the care given to our spaces to sit, walk, swim, eat - the honouring of silence, and the deep sense of the Presence of God with us, has been profundly healing for me. Thank you, each one, for how you compose this place, how you work together and seem to have your own joy and "light touch" in creating a time & space for such as I to come to. I give thanks for you & for the work of Maryholme."

​So luscious - gardens, trees, open space & lake: spectacular. Beauty permeates the silence.

Staff area always so warm & heart-healing!

You have done & are doing a wonderful job to preserve nature.

I saw bunnies, chipmunks playing, gopher scurrying, squirrels in the trees...

This is a beautiful place and was the exact right timing for me to come. I instantly felt at home, everything has been so comofrtable. I could stay longer - I could stay forever probably. I will most definitely come back again."

A wonderful & beautiful place to rest. There was a spaciousness to the retreat, and I felt supported by the structure provided by the meetings and mealtimes. It is a safe place to open to God's grace."

I liked the "homey" feeling, it didn't feel like a retreat centre."

It was such a gift to spend time in this lovely place and enjoy the beauty of creation.

A very blessed and rich week here in a sacred plae I've grown to love and appreciate more and more.

​This is an absolutely peaceful, beautful place, full of self discovery. Thank you.

Who needs a cruise when you can come to Loretto Maryholme!

Loretto Maryholme is touched by grace. Over and over I've seen how it transforms people. I'm leaving feeling light and grateful, walking more easily in the world.

It was just what I needed for this season of my life. The Spirit is always waiting and moving, if I just show up.

This place heals you...

I give thanks to God and to Maryholme for this wonderful experience. There was laughter, tears, togetherness and alone-time with myself and God. Bless you all.

So happy to be back at this magical place where all feels right with the world!

Staying here was an answer to prayer. I have never felt so peaceful in my life as in my stay here at Blackbird Cabin. The nature and silence made me feel very close to God. The kindness of the staff and respect for my solitude was wonderful. Thank you.

We love all the care here to detail and "hominess".

The wonderful welcoming atmosphere was instrumental in helping summon up the courage to launch into my novel re-write. I loved the solid, quiet peacefulness. Living in the cabin was educational in helping increase my awareness of my water consumption. Thank you!

Another beautiful weekend in this beautiful sacred place.  This is so much more than a retreat centre, so much more than a property, and everyone who comes here feels that and knows. Thank you for everything you do to make this place "work" for us and for so many others.

Thank you so much as always! We had a wonderful weekend with so many openhearted women inspired by themselves, each other and their surroundings! This is such a lovely space to be. So thank you for sharing it with us!

Everyone left feeling so joyful, so brave, so proud of taking the leaps they took. We all felt supported just being here, in this lovely space. To rest our minds and connect with our souls is a beautiful thing. Thank you for all you do, and what you help us create!

Thank you for opening such a beautiful space for us. This nature, cozy quilts and tranquility gave our writers the space to explore who they are and share their stories out loud. It's a magical place and I look forward to returning soon!

We love it here and feel very blessed as well as humbled to be able to come over and over again.

A wonderful quiet beautiful space. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Wonderful, beautiful retreat centre to commune with nature, each other... God!! Thank you so much!

Quiet weekend to reconnect with friends old & new. Thank you for the opportunity to be still for just a little while!

Thank you to all that have gone before & welcome to all that will come after. A beautiful, peaceful home to relax, unwind & reflect.

Wonderful and rejuvenating as always. Not so much a getaway as a getting back to. Will be sure to come again.

A time of much needed solace. And the insertion of God's surprises in tiny, seedlike insights for this time. Thank you, everyone for you warm caring and wisdom.

There are no words to describe my overall experience. It was divine.

Enjoyed every moment. The program was exactly what I had hoped for and more. I am already looking forward to next year.

Thank you for sharing your home as we nurture our hearts.

What a lovely experience! Beautiful, comfortable setting - warm, inviting, inspiring.
​Thank you for all your efforts in keeping this place open for all.

We had a resplendant retreat! Thank you for everything you do to keep this space sacred and gorgeous. Big love.

So beautiful. So what I needed to affirm my faith. Thank you.

I really needed some quiet time to rest & reflect (R&R). This weekend provided ample opportunity in a beautiful setting where I was nourished body, mind & spirit.

Lots to explore & pleasantly surprised! Wonderful! Will definitely come again & recommend
to my friends & my church if they want intimate, cosy beautiful space for retreat.

Thank you to all the staff who were kind and helped to provide such a lovely place. My time was all I hoped for and more. I would love to come again.

Thank you, thank you, for managing such a transformative space, for us and for so many others. Big Love!

For the geographic location & price, we could not have been at a more perfect location. The feeling is magical, the facilities are beautiful, clean & well supplied with all we required. Everyone found a place to be in reflective solitude when they needed it, the larger rooms supported our size of group well. I am still wrapped in the feeling of connected peace that we experienced together on our retreat. Thank you! We'll be back.

What a blessing this place is for all.

Love it here, thank you so much, just what my soul needed.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to do our spiritual work in this lovely space.

I want to return soon. It was an enlightening two days with spiritual direction so sound, powerful, kind and helpful. This place is a treasure. (They certainly know what they are doing here)

I leave this beautiful space celebrating goodness and light, breath and grace, with gratitude.

A beautiful return. Learned much to hold myself in inner silence.

This place holds such special memories from past visits and delight of new surprises upon returning again. Thank you.

A beautiful return. Learned much to hold myself in inner silence.

It was such a joy to be here for a week. The whole feeling of the retreat Centre is so loving and friendly, and it feels so well cherished. Deep gratitude to all the people who make this possible. And an especially deep bow to Jane. Thank you.

I experienced a great sense of peace and relaxation. I loved being near the water, taking walks, being private and alone, and the occasional interaction with staff. the cabin, with its screened porch, comfortable bed and rustic appeal, was perfect.

A wonderful day enjoying the peace and tranquility of this special place! We had a productive day of planning combined with prayer, reflection and fellowship - so blessed to be here again!

Thank you for a wonderful stay! I was hoping for a quiet space, for some writing time and focus. This place is so much more than that. I found myself just sitting on the porch and observing, if that's the right word. Not thinking, not puzzling something through, just sitting.
I never do that. Listening to the water, smelling the lilacs, watching the light & shadows.
​And then I would write some more. I hope to come back someday.

We had the BEST weekend. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this magical space
and all you do to keep it running & alive & beautiful. Much love and see you SOON!

We appreciate the opportunity to be at this beautiful place. We are thankful to be able to
spend our time with others. Enjoyed beautiful nature and it brought us closer together
as a community. It was fantastic to share experiences in a new country.

I feel such exquisite joy in being here. You have created such a sanctuary - a blessed and sacred place for people to gather... thank you so much.

Thank you for the warm welcome! This is a real piece of heaven with the angels around. Thanks a million.

This space was again a blessing for our group. Here we were able to fully experience the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures of God's Creation! Thanks!

Yearning for a more celestial harmony led me to seek spiritual direction at Loretto Maryholme. Praying the labyrinth here made me understand why life is a precious gift, and this includes every struggle, obstacle and adventure. This spiritual tool helped me to bridge heaven and earth and I am even more grateful to God for stirring up in my spiritual quest... I've met awesome people like Sister Mary. Thank you all for this wonderful time of retreat. My grateful thanks especially to Jane for this possible for me. God Bless you All! See you all soon!

This is our 6th year winter retreat. We appreciate the spaciousness and the atmosphere. We will be back next year.

We love it here, and our group did, too. It was yet another transformative, sacred, blessed weekend. Can't wait to be back!

We all agreed we want to come back. We had a wonderful weekend. The setting and facilities made everything easy & conducive to community and creativity!

It was a relaxing, spiritual experience for our group. Look forward to this every year. This was our 7th year. Thank you!

As always, it was a great pleasure to be part of this beautiful experience. Our time here is so peaceful and relaxing. Thank you for giving us this great opportunity. God bless.

We love Loretto Maryholme! We have been here for 3 retreats in 3 different seasons & our guests love it. It is the perfect venue for our purposes.... Loretto Maryholme is starting to feel like a second home.

It's a deeply invigorating, peaceful, reflective and nurturing experience.

Thank you for the love and healing and inspiration!

Thank you so much for this wonderful experience and place. It has brought me such peace and serenity. God bless us all.

Thank you for offering such a beautiful and tranquil place to come and reconnect oneself.         I received the blessings of the space & left some to share with others. Namaste.

Thank you so much for holding this sacred space, I love it here. This place is needed.
Thank you for the community.

Wonderful experience! Gives me the courage to meet the changes ahead.

What a beautiful place! Thank you for providing such a peaceful place for everyone to enjoy. What a surprise it was when, out on a walk during one of our meditation breaks, 
I discovered your labyrinth!

As always, Maryholme brings forth a rest in weariness, food for thought as well as body,
images that nurture and invite deepening, and leadership founded on firm ground of tradition as it dances with out contemporary challenges. Thank you for this rich time of Spirit.

I am filled with gratitude for  the opportunity and time to meditate in community
while provided with such beauty all around. Thank you to all who have been here before me,
those who are here, and those who will come. Peace.

The peace of concentration in the heart of stillness. May everyone have the opportunity
to enjoy such an environment.

Once again I have been privileged to be  in company of this home and all of the energy
that has been here this weekend and before. Thank you to my sisters & friends for lifting me up and holding me.

Many thanks for this beautiful facility, hospitality, and spiritually renewing experience.

There is a lot of love and support in this house.

This home holds amazing energy and atmosphere that brings our group together and back
to this place year after year. We are blessed to have this home as an anchor for personal growth as well as group renewal commitment. Thank you.

Beautiful experience in a serene and loving surrounding... very healing place and experience.

This place is so peaceful and feels like home. I feel unbelievably blessed to have facilitated this retreat here. Much love...

Refreshing, a piece of Heaven! Be still and know that I am God!

Thank you for your kind hospitality - blessings and deep peace.

The staff are such warm and welcoming people, helpful and enthusiastic.

The booking process was very smooth, very responsive and timely with getting back to me about info./questions, friendly and helpful.

The water, open land, trees surrounding - truly tranquil and private.

I would recommend Loretto Maryholme to family & friends - positive and nurturing environment.

I've returned two years in a row, and always experienced a most wonderful and hospitable stay. The staff is kind and helpful, the grounds and the lake are beautiful. Many opportunities for quiet time and community alike. Would return again, and again. 

I am never disappointed when I come here. I am always nourished body and Spirit.

Loved the beautiful nature energy of Loretto Maryholme. Very quiet and peaceful.

Blackbird Cabin proved to be perfect for me. It is rustic, has nothing "extra" to distract me from my desire & God's desire for me and for our relationship. The Lake offered soothing 
each time I went for a swim & later rested on a gravity chair...

Happy to return with friends and enjoyed introducing Maryholme to my sister.
Appreciated the silence of the night and listening to the natural sounds. Love the peace
of the house and the tranquility of the order. Happy to be able to continue to work through your libraries and to relax on the indoor swing. Enjoyed the option of talking about religion
or not. Meeting others. Sharing tea. And coffee. And clean water. Having so few paper products and learning about the plants and flowers. It is so homey here. I suspect heaven
will be like this. Thanks to all of the Loretto community for making this time available to us. We look forward to it all year!

Such a glorious place to rest and recharge. This is the spiritual highlight of my year.
However lost I feel when I arrive, I always find peace by the time I leave.
A really healing experience.

I had a chance to visit Loretto Maryholme last night for sunset Tai Chi and walked 
the labyrinth. As always, it was such a peaceful, centering time. Of course a big part 
of what makes it feel so wonderful is the people. I always feel so welcomed there.

Thank you for sharing your space with us.

I found this experience to be extremely friendly,  calming, rejuvenating...

I wanted to thank you so much for the beautiful time that I spent at your centre this week. 
It was so enriching. I felt the energy and deep presence of the many people who have stayed with you, and I was revived. I think that I brought some of that energy back with me 
to the city and was able to share it with others - I am smiling more, and people around me 
are smiling more too. I hope to be able to come back and see you again.

Your space is so wonderful. I was honoured to stay here and connect deeply with my spirituality.

Thank you, Maryholme, for such a wonderful place you shared with us. Our couples retreat 
is again a success and your home is one of the instruments. Just imagine how many homes 
are again saved by your amazing place - thank you.

Thank you for such a beautiful welcoming home - our home, too, for this time shared.

The stillness & tranquility of this place has found a change in my heart. Thank you.

May we all be one... this is a blessed place.

Thank you for such wonderful accommodation - loved out time here.

Beautiful place, beautiful people - thank you.

Thanks to all who made our stay here worth the while. May God bless your commitments
and hospitality. It was a real "Home" from home. Thanks a lot.

Just a short note to thank you for the wonderful weekend you prepared for us. 
From your warm greetings when we arrived, to the delicious food, the fun and meaningful program, to our bloomin' parting gift, everything felt so filled with love! And experiencing 
it all in the warmth, peace and beauty of this wonderful centre of Maryholme that you
so lovingly tend: what a very special experience we shared, and what wonderful memories 
I'm sure we all take away!

Thank you for such gracious hospitality. Beautiful!

You made our time at Loretto Maryholme very special. The office staff from our division
all enjoyed the facilities immensely and our day was pleasant and peaceful. We appreciate
all of your care and help. I look forward to coming up to Loretto Maryholme another time when I am not responsible for the team and then maybe I can enjoy the beautiful surroundings much more.

I feel renewed and restored. This sacred space is such a blessing. Thank you for sharing it.

Maryholme...truly this is a thin place...

The sense of serenity and peace here touches my very soul. Thank you for welcoming
our group to your centre.

It was lovely to be here. House is so homey and welcoming - God bless you.

I want to share with you that the retreat with my coworkers at Maryhome
was a great experience. My coworkers enjoyed the place and everyone had time
to experience the Labyrinth, a bit of meditation, happiness, sharing, expressing feelings....
I think it was exactly what all of us needed it...I just want to thank you ...

Beacoup de gratitude pour l'accueil et les challenges hard and affectionate. 
"What's absurd is what will work"- I have still to live up to it!

Once again our souls have been nourished, our feet have been rested and our hearts
filled with love. The fellowship of this group has been strengthened with the Holy Spirit
in this place of Holiness and sacred ground.