Anglicans Find Renewal Through Ignatian Silent Retreat

Seven parishioners from across three dioceses recently returned from a transformative silent retreat, defying initial anxieties about the unfamiliar experience. 

The retreat, held at Tyburn Monastery near Rotorua and led by Rev’s Kathy Orr-Nimmo and Jenny Dawson, utilized Ignatian spirituality, a tradition known for its emphasis on scripture and prayerful reflection.  

Rev. Stuart Goodin, Vicar at St Peter's Anglican Parish in Palmerston North, attended the retreat said, "While the term 'Ignatian' might sound intimidating, the retreat itself was a journey of personal exploration and connection with God." 

Participants embraced the silence, which extended to a limitation on personal devices. "The discipline of silence was liberating," shares Stuart.  

Located in peaceful farmland overlooking Lake Ohakuri, Tyburn Monastery provided a serene environment conducive to contemplation.  

Stuart says, "The setting played a crucial role in facilitating a sense of calm and introspection." 

While individual experiences varied, a shared sense of renewal emerged. Conversations on the last day revealed a group returning with a deeper connection to Jesus and a newfound strength to face life's challenges.  

"The retreat wasn't an escape from reality," explains Stuart, "but rather an opportunity to recharge and return to our ministries with renewed purpose." 

Stuart enthusiastically recommends the retreat to others, highlighting its transformative potential.  

"This experience serves as a reminder that stepping away from the busyness of life allows us to reconnect with ourselves and ultimately, with God."