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Background
The original property was developed into a retreat centre in 2014 and it has been run by the Ursuline Sisters who have built it into a well maintained, loved and nurturing space. In December 2023 The Marist Brothers took over the running of the centre as an ecumenical Lay-Marist project, run by Pam Paton-Mills and Rob Mills. Pam has worked in Marist animation and formation over the past decade and a half, and together they have had associations with the Marist world since the late 80’s.
The Centre hosts retreats, training and other events. All are welcome. Groups and individuals may book on open events as advertised or make their own retreats. We are also open to anyone wishing to take out some time to reflect in a tranquil environment finding inspiration in the surrounding natural beauty. At the centre, we live in the most environmentally responsible way possible.
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Ethos
St Lucia Retreat Centre is a place of warmth of welcome for all who sincerely seek to live their lives with authenticity and integrity. We believe that God’s compassion is at the heart of life, and we are called to discover that compassion within ourselves, our companions and all of creation. From this point of pure love, we are called to walk tenderly on the good Earth, tending her urgent cries for care and healing. We are called to extend compassion to all who are neglected, disempowered or abandoned. We are called to live with courage to counter injustice and inspire the world to greater Light, Truth and Goodness.
Contemplative practices of silence and reflection enable us to experience this compassion.
Our work in underpinned by four guiding themes:
THE TEAM
We are here to make your stay as fruitful and comfortable as possible. From left to right
- Nonto Mhlongo (facilities & Ignatian direction)
- Promise Mdlala (housekeeping)
- Pam Paton Mills (spirituality & retreat oversight)
- Rob Mills (operations)
- Vusi Qwabe (maintenance)
- Owyn Spengler (catering assistant)
- Anthea Spengler (catering)
Pam Paton-Mills Head of Retreats.
Formerly Director of Ethos at Sacred Heart Marist Observatory in Johannesburg, Pam has extensive experience in working with children, youth and adults. She integrates the creative and performing arts in facilitating personal and spiritual growth. She translated and implemented the Marist Interiority Programme, ‘Heart Zone’. She has worked in teacher formation in South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. She is actively involved with Marists around the world through Marist Vocational programmes, the Champagnat Global Network and Marist Volunteering International.
Nonto Mhlongo: Facility Manager and Spiritual Director
Nonto hails from the St Lucia community, and as such brings a wealth of local knowledge which is invaluable to the community projects. After excelling in the Echoing the Word course in 2016, she went on to being trained in Ignatian Spirituality, spiritual accompaniment, and giving The Exercises. She has been with the Centre since 2021and takes care of the day to day running of the centre, as well as offering retreats and accompaniment.
Br. Neil McGurk: On Site Marist Director
Br Neil is a legend in Marist and Catholic Education Circles. He has pioneered transformation in education in a variety of areas – from inter-cultural and inter-racial integration, to inter-faith dialogue and bridging gender divides. He facilitated rich curriculum development and innovation, and has made a deep mark on enriching teaching and learning in rural areas, particularly in ECD. He was instrumental in the formation of the Culture of Learning Trust which underpins the running of the Centre and its projects. He remains passionate about education and the upliftment of those on the margins of society.
Rob Mills: Head of Operations.
Formerly an electronic engineer, Rob has worked as an artist, management consultant and electronic media systems specialist over the last 20 years. He has worked in psychometric assessment and the Deep Democracy process (Mindell) and is passionate about the environment and alternative energy. Rob has extensive management experience in multi national projects, media production, product design and people development.