Secluded Retreat: Big Chill

College of the Holy Cross hosted a "Big Chill Retreat" at the Joyce Contemplative Center in Holden, Massachusetts last Friday. The unique aspect of this retreat was that it allowed students to make their own choices about the activities.

, and Administrator

2025 September 12 . 11:19 AM

1 min read

Secluded Retreat: Big Chill

The Joyce Contemplative Center, located in West Boylston, Massachusetts, less than 20 minutes away from the College of the Holy Cross, offers students and alumni a tranquil escape from the bustling campus. This 33,800-square foot compound, nestled on a 52-acre hilltop site, serves as the home for spiritual retreats.

Recently, seniors Ralph Carbone and David Brush attended a retreat at the Joyce Contemplative Center to recharge and reflect on their final semester on the Hill. The retreat, named the "Big Chill Retreat," provided students with the opportunity to choose how they spent their time, with options including artwork, snowshoeing, napping, and eating.

Carbone found the retreat helpful for introspection and reminiscing about old times with friends. He spent most of the retreat meditating and taking a break from campus life. On the other hand, Brush enjoyed the lack of a set itinerary, allowing him to socialize with old friends and meet new ones. He found the retreat to be a bonding experience through hikes, games, meals, and yoga attempts.

The retreat seemed to provide both seniors with a chance to reflect on their time at Holy Cross and their future plans. All Montserrat students are required to attend a retreat at the Joyce Contemplative Center, and the College of the Holy Cross held the "Big Chill Retreat" as part of this requirement.

The Thomas P. Joyce '59 Contemplative Center was officially opened on September 10, 2021. The Center provides students and alumni with opportunities for reflection, prayer, and recharging away from campus, making it an invaluable resource for the Holy Cross community.

This article was edited by Claudia Mühlbauer.