Guest Comments

Thank you so very much for 'setting the stage' for God to work so powerfully with the 2010 Journey-goers! (J MacFarland & B Keatts)

I attended a class at Villa Maria and it was wonderful.  Thank you so much for making this space available.  It is a wonderful place to grow.  I hope to return. (Frequencies of Brilliance)

Thank You! Our stay was very pleasant, peaceful and refreshing! God bless all of you. (Gary)

My experience was a blessing from God. This place if very lovely.  I enjoyed every single corner of it.  I loved the outdoor and labyrinth. (Kairos member 2010)

Thank you so much for the hard work you put into making our Confirmation Retreat Day a special one!  (St. Joseph's Red Wing)

It was great and I am satisfied.  The meals were great and I loved your chapel.  The labyrinth's were especially wonderful. (individual retreatant)

This is a very fine, beautiful, historical place.  Thank you very much for sharing this space with us! (Dorothy & Delores 2010)

The meals were delicious and nourishing and everyone is gracious and helpful.  My room was warm, cozy and met my needs for rest, study and prayer.  If often feel as though I am 'coming home' to family and friends where God is present among us. (individual retreatant.)

My experience at the Villa was excellent.  The meals were excellent, the staff was helpful and courteous, the facilities were peaceful, and relaxing.  (Curatio member)

I feel so much at home-it is good to know that there is such a place with such a caring community. (Dayton Avenue Church)

This retreat exceeded new connectedness with spirituality.  The facility and grounds have wonderful diversity and the staff are very open and welcoming.  Feels like coming 'home' rather than visiting. (Dayton Avenue Church)

I have gained lots of insights that hopefully will stay with me and be practiced.  The villa practices all what they 'preach.  I also enjoyed walking the State Park trails during my stay. (Hospitality Retreatant)

This is our annual event and something new is always taken away.  The presenter is excellent as always. (Hospitality Retreatant)

Sister Rose was a great presenter.  She has a Christ like presence.  She is unflappable. (Hospitality Retreatant)

 Keep up the good work-I always feel welcomed. (Dayton Ave Men)

Thank you for your amazing hospitality! (group participant)

Very nice balance of welcome/assistance and leaving us be on our own.  Great location, comfortable facility for the simplicity of our purpose. (group participant)

I often feel as though I am 'coming home' to family and friends where God is present among us. I was warm, cozy and my needs were met for rest and study and prayer. I loved the Christmas environment too! (private retreatant)

You make things so easy!  We love Villa Maria and I know for sure that your hospitality and beautiful retreat center contributed greatly to enrich the hearts and souls of our Women's Fellowship group.  We love everything you stand for. (Women's Fellowship)

Thank you for your ministry to help people and the world connect and interconnect.  The St. Francis Retreat was inspiring. (Patricia M)

You have such an inspirational atmosphere. We love enjoying nature and your hospitality. (Marilyn)

 I roused a family of turkey's one morning in the meadow.  I followed them across the meadow, and went a branch-domed path that went down, down, down to the march.  I felt a bit like Alice following the white rabbit. It was wonderful. The Villa is a great place- warm, welcoming, and gracious. Thank You (personal retreatant)

Everything was so wonderful. The staff went out of their way for us.  They were outstanding and so friendly, so helpful. (St. Victoria's)

You have a unique message to deliver, a unique song to sing, a unique act of love to bestow! You are a blessing from heaven above... a huggable reminder of God's unfailing love. (T Murphy)

 My expectations were met! I was looking for a quiet simple, peaceful get-a-way.  A place that invited me to pray and meet God. (sigh) this is an anointed place! Many Thanks! (private retreatant)

Prayerful-peaceful-comfortable-lovely space. Your hospitality is warm and generous. (L Crosby)

Quiet, Prayerful atmosphere. Beautiful outdoor space for walking and reflection. (private retreatant)

Beautiful, Restful, Peaceful. All were kind, gracious, caring. Very comfortable and clean. My week was very meaningful to me. (P Riley)

Wonderful Retreat, Wonderful Retreatants.  The Director gave of herself, her depth and her experience and her knowledge most generously. (K Kuhns)

I always feel blessed with the movement of the Holy Spirit as I dwell in this holy space. The meals were delicious-meeting space clean, versatile and met the needs of our small group. (Church of St. Joseph-staff)

I enjoy spending time here, hospitality is great, food is delicious, and every part of the mission statement is evident.  Elegant Simplicity! Thank you for having me as a guest in one of God's dwelling places. (private retreatant)

I so appreciate that you are here.  Thank you for all the hard work it must take to keep the Villa Maria so beautiful for all.  We out here in the world really need it! (Meditation Retreat)

Thank you for your grace and gift of hospitality as well as the care for us while we were on retreat.  This was the perfect  place for us to experience the wonderful "ahs" of life.  We look forward to future retreats at your center.  Our hearts were touched. (Caema)

Seems more than ever people need a place like the Villa...thank you for your always welcoming spirit. (Rosemary M.)

...Like having a home away from home.  I was asked to 'be still and know my God'.  I was able to 'be' in that stillness all week.  I enjoyed the labyrinth outside and so much more!! Everyone was wonderful-respecting me in silence.    (6-day directed retreatant)

I was impressed with the variety of options available at the Villa; congrats to Sr. Rose for a splendid production. Thank you. (Br. Walsh)

Meals were fine, good choices and balanced.  Our meeting space was comfortable.  Thank God for your elevator.  Grounds-walks were well cared for. (Journey to Wholeness retreatant)

Thank you for sharing your little piece of heaven with me last week....you have the real thing...I enjoyed my stay there and hope to visit again sometime soon. (Sherry C.)

Spiritually renewing, physically relaxing, comfortable and secluded.  Excellent for restorative retreats. (Dayton Avenue Presbyterian)

Wonderful!! Thank you so much for this special little place of my own, perfect for my own little world of peace and quiet. (Private Retreatant)

My husband has gotten so much support from the weekends at the Villa.  I hope you will continue the wonderful work you do. (Joyce S.)

Love this facility, especially the grounds! (Betty B.)

Thanks for all your caring in helping to make our first retreat in a number of years such a good experience. Ursuline Hall proved to be a delightful setting especially since we could enjoy the greenery and sunshine. Thank you again! (Margie Petersen)

The whole week I felt held in love, beauty, and peace.  I am grateful that there is such a wonderful place to be.  I am changed. (Icon Writing Retreatant)

It was exactly what I needed, and what will probably draw me back in the future.( Private Retreatant)

I appreciated the nice balance between being gracious and welcoming, yet also being sensitive to allowing me space. (Private Retreatant)

Fantastic and Refreshing!  Exactly what I needed in my life right now.  Gorgeous grounds, Wonderful buildings.  Welcoming...I just wish my stay could have been longer, next time it will be! (United Methodist Clergy Retreatant)

Thank you for holding me in your prayers and Great Views! (Private Retreatant)

Wonderful-everyone is kind and welcoming. (Private Retreatant)

Wonderful, beautiful, delicious food, comfortable bed. (Woodale Quilters)

All reflect God's love-a great setting to find healing, talk if I want to, be silent if I want.  Free to be myself. (Private Retreatant )

Peaceful and Quiet. (Beginning Experience)

A wonderful place inside and out for a retreat or workshop. (Yoga Participant)

Grace Filled, Peaceful and Serene. (Institute of Lay Ministry)

Wonderful in all ways (Rejoice Ministries)

I came with my sister for a day-next time WILL BE LONGER! (Private Retreatant)

The quietness and serenity give room for dedicated fellowship with inner being and thereby reaching God the Creator.

The labyrinth walks were very helpful in my discoveries.

I feel renewed and at peace.

Peace-filled-which helped clear a space for answers to 'gather'.

I have enjoyed my stay here and realized how important it its to take time everyday for quiet solitude with God.

Thanks for providing an oasis from the everyday.

Thank you for the dedication to your ministry.  I always have a lovely, refreshing, spiritually-stimulating time at the Villa.

So relaxing but very stimulating at the same time. 

Thank you for a wonderful weekend for our conference.  Everyone was happy and content.  You are most helpful in meeting all our needs.  We look forward to our next retreat!

Once again we are so very grateful for the gift that our time there has been.  We shared laughter, tears, and prayers.  Thank you for the wonderful hospitality.  (St Stans Youth)

Peaceful, beautiful. You are surrounded by beauty. God is everywhere. 

I loved the grounds - woods -the meadow, Wonderful place for a retreat , Bright meeting spaces. 

I love the time to spend with Jesus, a book, my thoughts, and a wonderful spiritual director. 

A great place for a retreat. It felt like a home away from home. 

My first visit…I am so impressed with the attention to every detail and the virtue of Christ centered hospitality that welcomes every guest.

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