Montserrat Pupils Contemplate and Rejuvenate During a Retreat at the Joyce Contemplative Center
The Thomas P. Joyce '59 Contemplative Center, a new addition to the College of the Holy Cross, officially opened its doors on Saturday, September 10, following nearly a year and a half of construction. Located in West Boylston, less than 20 minutes away from campus, the center serves as the home for spiritual retreats.
The 33,800-square foot center rests on a 52-acre hilltop site in the Wachusett Reservoir. The retreats held at the center offer opportunities for reflection, prayer, and recharging away from campus.
On September 27th, an excited group of 45 freshmen visited the Joyce Contemplative Center. The retreat involved an Ignatian practice aimed at helping students recognize their desires for their college journeys. The day included a discussion about the positives and negatives of people, classes, and clubs from the fall semester, followed by a yoga session teaching breathing techniques to cope with anxiety and stress.
All Montserrat students were required to attend the afternoon retreat. Jasmine Bridger '27 found the retreat enjoyable and beneficial, and has considered signing up for a weekend retreat in the future.
The Joyce Contemplative Center also offers Ignatian practices and opportunities for reflection throughout the academic year. Students are required to hand in their phones at the beginning of the retreat to ensure a distraction-free environment. After the retreat, students were treated to great food.
The center was built specifically for the College of the Holy Cross and has already proven to be a valuable addition to the campus. However, the name of the director of the Joyce Contemplative Center remains unknown at this time.
The retreats held at the Joyce Contemplative Center throughout the month of February allowed students to relax and reflect on the doings of the previous semester. The center provides a peaceful and serene environment for students to take a step back from their busy lives and focus on their personal growth and development.
