Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House Celebrates 60 Years

Lake Dallas, Texas, August 29, 2019- This October, Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House will celebrate its 60th year of service to faith communities in the North Texas, Oklahoma, and Northern Louisiana. Founded in 1959 by the Jesuits of the New Orleans Province, now the UCS Province, Montserrat has served as a place for silent reflection and spiritual renewal consistently throughout the years.

During the past 6 decades, the lake-side campus has expanded to host more than 150,000 retreatants. Women and men have come to pray, to listen, to learn. What they have found is peace and innovative encouragement in their faith through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Supported by the center’s stated mission to “bring the transforming Good News of Jesus Christ to individuals and society”— people who come here discover a dynamic approach to spirituality, one that encourages change and freedom.

Last year, more than 6,000 people visited the campus for retreats, lectures, classes and meetings. The future is bright at Montserrat, led by a pioneering Jesuit community of three: Fr. Anthony Borrow, S.J.; Fr. Ron Gonzales, S.J.; and Fr. Roy Joseph, S.J. Ever focused on growth, Fr. Borrow, S.J. notes, “"St Ignatius tells us to 'Go, set the world on fire'. The goal of the Jesuits and our lay collaborators is to enflame hearts to love and follow Jesus. Our mission field isn't the world, but it does include North Texas, Oklahoma, northern Louisiana and beyond. We know from experience, and our vision grows, that persons who experience Montserrat will animate their parishes, reach out to those on the margins, and be spiritual leaders in their daily lives. Blessed are those who hear His call and are able to generously respond."

Montserrat’s campus includes space for diocesan, parish and religious organizations to host gatherings. In 2013, the Ignatius Spirituality Institute (ISI) was founded at Montserrat to train future church leaders in the reflective traditions of St. Ignatius. These efforts—undertaken in a spirit of inclusivity—establish Montserrat as healthy, vibrant, and impactful on this 60^th anniversary.

Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House is a ministry of the US Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus offering the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius and programs in the Ignatian tradition.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Fr. Ron Gonzales at 940-321-6020, or email ron.gonzales@montserratretreat.org