Hello Mary,

Some old-fashioned things

like fresh air and sunshine

are hard to beat.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

This summer has been a time for big hugs for returning guests and warm welcomes to new acquaintances as they arrive to rejuvenate and rest - at the dock, in a swing, on a porch, in the gardens or on a quiet walk in the labyrinth, forest, or neighbourhood. The fragrances and sounds of nature along with the array of greens and blues sprinkled with pinks, yellows, purples, oranges, and reds are healing and beyond words!

We have had full retreats back to back, cabins booked week after week, and absolutely been honoured to host those seeking solace, solitude and peace. And we are blessed by the powerful words of our guests' experiences and the spiritual gifts they take home with them ...

"Coming here is a treat I offer myself every year. The peace descends upon me as soon as I turn in the lane. Thank you for offering the miracle of this holy place."

"I have been here many times and I always look forward to being in the beauty and peace of Maryholme. I came knowing I was weary in spirit as I had been through a very difficult year. I was guided in taking these days to just Be in the quiet and allow Love and the blessing of this place to heal me. I leave with a deeper appreciation of the Holy One's words to me "Just Be with me". Simply Be and Trust."

"This time of solitude has given me a deeper awareness of the Divine Presence & Energy permeating all of life and my/our connection with all that is, was and yet to be. I am blessed to have been able to experience this time & space. Thank you to each of you who make this special place available for so many to find hope and nourishment here."

"The silence, beauty & solitude helped me see things through a significantly new lens. I think an extended time helps something new take root a bit more. "

"It was grace-filled in so many ways!

Love everything about this sacred space - welcoming, the birds, the grounds, the swimming, change room, suntan lotions, chairs, canopy, the labyrinth, cosmic walk, well-maintained flower beds, the smells (and not just from the kitchen...) God bless the Loretto's for maintaining this ministry - so needed in our church and world today!"

Something more than ordinary...

Our mission as a spirituality centre continues to be

"To encourage individuals and groups to explore and restore the energies needed for personal, communal, and world transformation."

What is a Retreat

"Rest is not idleness

and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees

on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water,

or watching the clouds float across the sky,

is by no means a waste of time."

John Lubbock

"Summer afternoon—summer afternoon;

to me those have always been the two most

beautiful words in the English language."

Henry James

A wonderful opportunity to be at Loretto Maryholme's lake shore virtually. Overlooking the west bluff from the lawn between the wooden swing set and from where the lake ridge of lilacs begin, this lovely garden is yet another meditative feature in our sacred space providing a view of the water's expanse. With ducks on the water and ospreys in the air, complemented by the sounds of the lake breeze through the trees and up across the waves - the gentle comforts to one's soul are truly something more than ordinary...

Enjoy

"Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads."

H.D. Thoreau

"Summer in Canada is not only a season,

it is a state of mind."

Pierre Berton, Canadian historian and author

Come spend time in this sacred space. Rest, reflect and re-focus in an atmosphere of beauty, peace and solitude on the beautiful shores of Lake Simcoe.

Dease and Blackbird Cabins plus Fensom Cottage are available for personal retreats. Edgar House is available for group retreats on the weekends and for weekday corporate/ministerial/educational groups. Wifi accessible in all buildings.

Spiritual direction is available upon request.

Email booking@lorettomaryholme.ca

for availability.

We accept and prefer e-transfers. However, if you are mailing in payment via snail mail, please note our new mailing address is: Loretto Maryholme Spirituality Centre, 379A Bouchier Street, Keswick, ON L4P 3C8. Thank you.

"This is my spiritual home. I have been on other retreats, at other centres, and this is the place where my spirit soars.. With each visit, it has dawned on me a little more, that this is where my soul is nourished. Thank you! "

"As always it was a wonderful 3 days - safe, comfortable and spiritual. Totally restoring! Thank you."

"There is a serenity here, a calm sense of place and of what has come, what is, and perhaps what will be. Much of life seems to be finding equilibrium in spite of exterior circumstances - Loretto Maryholme says 'let's take care of the external so you can see clearly within - or without.

I'm thankful for the intentional blessings and hospitality and openness of this space."

"This is my first time here - what a beautiful place with such a gentle, loving energy. Thank you."

"As always, soul filling. Thank you."

"This place is an absolute wonder! I came here to write and found much more than a quiet, peaceful place. As soon as I arrived, it felt like a spiritual retreat. I did not expect to feel, so viscerally, the blessings wash over me. My body, mind, spirit feel fully at peace. Thank you."

"Coming here is like getting a warm blanket wrapped around your soul. Thank you."

"It gave me everything I wanted and more. I've left with a feeling of internal peace that I haven't experienced in years. I'll revisit this place internally (especially the labyrinth) when I need to find stillness and calm. And I look forward to further visits. Thank you so much for offering this haven."

"The birds, sound of the waves, rain on the leaves, peacefulness, kindness, beauty, swimming in the lake - all help me to find "me" again. I thank you for that."

"A place to meet God... rejoicing in the abundant life surrounding this magnificent setting. Peace, quiet - just what I was hoping to find...Thank-you! Thank you!

There is a spirit of freedom... very little pressure... an atmosphere of tranquility & peace."

"I unearthed a deep & protective love for the natural world which will stay with me. Grateful to the many hands & hearts that have held this safe space for those who wish to go deeper."

"I was able to experience a quiet time that I wished for. I felt refreshed and ready for new beginnings after this retreat."

"I feel blessed ... to fully enjoy the beauty of creation and all its gifts of love. The atmosphere provided all I needed to let go, relax, and enter a state of peace and joy. I could breathe in deeply God's love so that I can more fully breathe and live it out in every relationship."

"If you wish to see the face of God come to Maryholme."

"In summer, the song sings itself."

William Carlos Williams

Summer Blessings from the Maryholme team

In the Garden of Serenity

In the garden of serenity, I find my solace,

Where blossoms dance and whispers of grace,

Underneath the canopy, a sacred retreat,

Where summer's embrace makes my heart beat.

The flowers speak of ancient tales untold,

Their vibrant hues like secrets of old,

Among the blooms, my spirit takes flight,

Guided by nature's gentle light.

Anonymous

info@lorettomaryholme.ca

Tel. 905.476.4013

www.lorettomaryholme.ca

© Loretto Maryholme Spirituality Centre 2021

Office Hours:

Weekdays 9am-noon

Afternoons by chance.