A weekend to put your phone away, slow down, and listen to what is truly alive within you — and how God may already be walking with you. A retreat for silence, space, and finding your way.

An English-language weekend retreat for young adults. A small group. A private room. Time to breathe and pray (individual and with the monks).

You don’t need to be “spiritual enough.” | You don’t need to know how to pray. | Just come as you are.

A Weekend Away From the Noise

We live in constant stimulation. Messages, expectations, pressure to decide, to perform, to keep going.

This weekend invites you to step out of that noise.

We will stay at St. Willibrordsabdij, a Benedictine monastery surrounded by quiet and nature. The rhythm of prayer and simplicity naturally slows things down.

You will have space:

• to rest
• to pray
• to reconnect with what truly matters

And make space to notice how God is already present in your story.

This retreat for young adults is organised by Magis Lowlands, a Jesuit initiative for young adults in their twenties and thirties.

What You Can Expect

A small group (max. 16 participants)
So there is real space, safety, and personal attention.

Short input sessions
On silence, prayer, desire, and listening to your inner movements — rooted in Ignatian spirituality.

Optional guided meditation sessions
Gentle guidance using Scripture and your own life experience. Accessible for beginners.

Plenty of silence
No pressure. No performance. Just space.

Personal spiritual accompaniment
A short one-to-one conversation with a trained guide who listens with you. You may also speak with one of the monks if you wish.

Optional monastery prayers
You are welcome to join the monks in their daily prayer rhythm — nothing is required.

Time to walk, read, or rest
Nature, quiet paths, and time for yourself.

The programme is structured but light.
You will always have personal space.

Who Is This For?

This retreat is for anyone between 18 and 35 who:

• longs for rest and direction

• is searching in faith or life choices

• wants to learn how to pray or go deeper

• wonders what silence might reveal

• desires to encounter God again — or for the first time

No prior experience with faith or meditation is needed. Believers, doubters, and seekers are all welcome.

What Participants Have Said

“I learned to simply be. Not judging everything I see, hear, or think. Taking time to just be — it grounded me.” – Sophie

“It was a beautiful and very special weekend.” – Eline

“It did me so much good to slow down, breathe, and come close to God again.” – Mees

Most participants leave feeling calmer, clearer, and more connected to themselves and to God.

Practical Information

📍 Abdijhoeve Betlehem – St. Willibrordsabdij
Abdijlaan 1, Doetinchem, The Netherlands

📅 29–31 May 2026
Friday evening to Sunday afternoon

Student rate: €120
Standard rate: €225

Includes:

• Private room with bathroom

• Bed linen and towels

• All meals

• Full programme

• Personal accompaniment

If the cost is a difficulty, feel free to contact us.

Accompanied by

Jesuit Bastiaan van Rooijen
Lawyer in Amsterdam working with people on the margins, and deacon at De Krijtbergkerk.

Still Hesitating?

Afraid it might be too silent?
Too religious?
Or not religious enough?

You don’t have to share more than you want.
You don’t have to know how to pray.
Nothing is forced.

This weekend simply creates space to listen —
to what is alive within you,
and how God may already be gently guiding you.