Did you know that Manresa Jesuit Centre of Spirituality in Dublin has a history stretching back to 1948? It all began with a request from the Archbishop of Dublin. He asked the Jesuits to establish a retreat house on the city’s north side. The Jesuits soon acquired Baymount Castle and its seventeen acres. The first retreats were held there in 1949.
Manresa Jesuit Centre of Spirituality is more than just a building. It’s a place steeped in history. A place where faith and reflection intertwine. It’s located in Dollymount Dublin 3 close to Bull Island and St Anne’s Park. Imagine the serene atmosphere. Picture yourself surrounded by nature.
The original building Baymount Castle saw many uses before becoming a Jesuit centre. It was even a school at various points in its long history. It served as Baymount House School St Mary’s Abbey of Loreto and Baymount School. The Jesuits however are the longest occupants of the property.
Construction of the current retreat house began in 1966. It opened its doors in 1967. For a time from 1969 to 1991 the Irish Jesuit novitiate was housed at Manresa. A fascinating fact is that part of the property near the novitiate was sold in 1977. It is now a housing estate.
In 2006 a new European English-speaking Tertianship for Jesuits opened at Manresa. The centre celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2009 with special events. Today Manresa continues to offer retreats of all kinds. It provides one-to-one accompaniment and training in spiritual direction. It also offers programmes to deepen faith and prayer. It holds courses and seminars on various topics including leadership addiction family and the arts. All this is based on the wisdom of St Ignatius Loyola particularly as found in his Spiritual Exercises.
Manresa Jesuit Centre of Spirituality is ideally situated for those seeking time for prayer relaxation and perspective. It’s a place to reconnect with yourself and your faith. A place of peace and reflection. A place with a rich and compelling history. So take a moment to appreciate the story of Manresa and the spiritual journey it represents.