Craving rest for your soul? Bethany, a Christian charity in Cheung Chau, offers that and more. It provides Christian workers of all backgrounds a quiet place for rest. It is for reflection and restoration.
Welcome to the Retreat House. It is a place where rest meets reflection. Bethany’s mission is simple. It provides a retreat for Christians seeking rest. It is a space for reflection and restoration. Like Jesus, you can withdraw from life’s demands here.
Bethany operates three unique guest houses. These houses have beautifully curated gardens. They also have stunning sea views. Guests can partake in soul care activities. They can receive pastoral care. They can enjoy fellowship around the dinner table. Bethany is truly an oasis.
Imagine waking up to the sound of waves. You can step outside and breathe in the fresh sea air. The Retreat House is more than just a place to stay. It is a place to connect with God.
The Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui also runs a House of Prayer. Anglicans operate it for Anglicans. It opened on February 1, 2012. The House of Prayer offers a tranquil environment. It is for Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui clergy, laity, and staff. Groups can have retreats here. They offer a course of Clinical Pastoral Education to staff. Seminarians of different Christian faiths can benefit too.
The House of Prayer has 21 rooms. There are single and double rooms. They have suites for group spiritual directors. Eight prayer rooms can host 3-10 people. There are also interview rooms, a reading room, and a chapel. A dining room seats 26. Air-conditioning is available indoors.
Consider the Ignatian spirituality. It can bring you to deeper reflection. The Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, runs a retreat center. This spirituality is inspired by St. Ignatius of Loyola. You can seek spiritual direction from the in-house priest or nuns. Laypersons are also available. They will guide you through Ignatian spiritual exercises.
The Retreat House offers air-conditioned rooms. Common bathrooms are shared. The bathrooms are very clean. Some rooms have luxurious sea views. Towels are not provided. Laundry facilities include pails and washing powder for hand washing. There is a drying yard on the rooftop. The rooftop view is gorgeous, especially during sunset.
The main chapel is on the second story. It has a priceless view that may transport you to the Sea of Galilee. Mass is conducted daily in Cantonese. Another smaller prayer chapel is opposite the admin office.
Two hot meals are served daily. This includes lunch and dinner. Breakfast is at your own time. Sliced loaf bread is provided with peanut butter and jam. The hot meals feature yummy local dishes. Every meal comes with Cantonese-style soup. They generally do not serve spicy dishes.
Silence is observed at the compound, even at meal times. Take your time to chew your food and slow down. Meditative music plays during meal times. The Retreat House offers a million-dollar view of the cliffs and sea. Enjoy the sound of the waves. Feel the sea breeze. Watch the eagles soar.
The Retreat House is perched atop a cliff. It is on the western side of Cheung Chau Island. The panoramic sea view is one of the main draws.
Getting to the Retreat House is an adventure. From Central Pier No 5, take a ferry to Cheung Chau. Walk for about 20 to 25 minutes from Cheung Chau Pier. Pass Tung Wan Road, St. John Hospital, and the Warwick Hotel. Climb the slope at Kwun Yam Beach. Follow Ming Fai Road up the mountain. Pass Caritas campsites and walk along Fa Peng Road. You will arrive at the House.
The Retreat House is more than just a building. It is a sanctuary. It is a place where you can reconnect with yourself and with God. Remember the tranquility and the stunning views. Take a deep breath and let the peace of this Retreat House stay with you long after you leave.