The rising demands of contemporary life, and the nature and values of our secular society, have the combined effect of eroding our spiritual lives. It becomes important then, to be aware of this effect and to respond by actively nurturing the spiritual life. A retreat can be a catalyst for spiritual renewal and for concentrating on God’s purpose for our earthly existence.

The monks of Saint Vincent Archabbey have tended to the spiritual needs of Christian men and women for over one hundred fifty years and have been involved in retreat ministry since 1913.

Our preached group retreats, given annually from May to July, have drawn thousands of retreatants to Saint Vincent over the years.

Saint Vincent Archabbey was founded in 1846 by Boniface Wimmer of Germany and is the first Benedictine monastery in North America.

The Saint Vincent Retreat Program is staffed primarily by the monks of the abbey who serve as retreat masters, spiritual directors, confessors, the program director, and retreat program assistants.

The program offers the following weekend retreats: an Oblate retreat; a retreat on charismatic prayer; a silent retreat for men and women, a father and son retreat; a retreat for married couples; and a retreat for men.

Accommodations include private room, linens and towels, and all meals.

The fee is listed under each retreat description. Those who are unable to pay the indicated fee may contact the retreat program director to make special arrangements.

If you have questions, please contact the director
Brother Hugh Lester, O.S.B.
Saint Vincent Retreat Program
Saint Vincent Archabbey
300 Fraser Purchase Road
Latrobe, PA 15650
724-805-2139

Our weekend retreats open on Friday evening (Thursday evening for the men's 4-day retreat) Supper is at 5:35 p.m. After supper, the sacrament of Reconciliation is offered followed by Mass and/or a conference. On each full day of the retreat, Mass is celebrated in the morning. There are three conferences held each day. Retreatants may participate in the Divine Office with the monastic community.

The celebration of Mass on Sunday, followed by the final conference and lunch, concludes the retreat.

To help make your retreat prayerful, we suggest that you bring a Bible and some spiritual reading material. The Basilica Gift Shop, located on the first floor of the Parish Center adjoining the Basilica, stocks spiritual books and many other religious items.

Linens, towels, and a blanket are provided. Rooms are either air-conditioned or equipped with a ceiling fan. Recreational opportunities include the Saint Vincent Fitness Trail, Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, and the indoor Resnik Pool.

Directions to Saint Vincent:

Traveling from the east: Traveling from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, use either the Somerset or the Donegal exits. From exit 110 (Somerset), take U.S. Route 30 junction near Boswell. From exit 91 (Donegal), take PA Route 711 North to Route 30 at Ligonier. Take Route 30 West for approximately 11 miles to the Saint Vincent turn-off at the traffic light at Saint Vincent Drive just past the intersection of Routes 30 and 981. The campus is 1/2 mile past this turn-off on the left.

Traveling from the west: Traveling from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, use exit 67 (Irwin). Take U.S. Route 30 east approximately 17 miles to the traffic light at Saint Vincent Drive. The campus is 1/2 mile past this turn-off on the left.

Website redesign: March 25, 2010
by Melissa Kaminski and Jordan Hainsey
Archabbey Public Relations Staff