Retreat Venues

The Magnificat Community is pleased to be able to offer the following facilities for individuals and groups desiring space for retreats and conferences. We are able to offer two large retreat buildings, Nazareth and Bethlehem, on sites adjacent to each other. All buildings are surrounded by farmland owned by the community, which provides the opportunity for people to interact with the various animals. We provide places of gentle silence and stillness so that our visitors may take time out to ponder and reflect.  Our Magnificat Community Chapel, containing the Blessed Sacrament, is available for Masses, Holy Hours, Prayer, Adoration if required.

Nazareth

 
Nazareth is named after the place where the Holy Family made their home, where Jesus was nurtured and taught, and where Mary pondered so many things in her heart. This comfortable, self-contained facility, enclosed by secluded gardens, lends itself to an intimate gathering of small to medium sized groups. Visitors have the space to reflect individually and to gather together in the cosy lounge.

The Nazareth Retreat House comprises:-

* 7 bedrooms, sleeping a total of 18 people.
* Large lounge with wood-burner
* Large open plan kitchen and dining space with wood burner
* Two bathrooms and two toilets
* Sheltered gardens providing privacy

Nazareth is one hour’s drive from Wellington and ten minutes from Featherston Township .

 

Bethlehem

Bethlehem is a place where there will always be room at the inn. It offers ample space for large and medium sized groups, has excellent disabled access and wheelchair friendly facilities and views over Lake Wairarapa. There is the space for large groups to gather, both outdoors on the massive deck, or in the huge lounge or dining area.

The Bethlehem retreat house comprises:-

* 19 bedrooms, able to sleep up to a maximum of 37 people
* 14 bedrooms contain hand basins
* 8 showers and 9 toilets
* Large lounge with  panoramic views of the lake and mountains
* Large kitchen, containing a 6 burner gas stove, crockery, cutlery and cookware
* Dining area able to seat up to 80 people
* Massive outdoor deck facing Lake Wairarapa
* Small chapel/prayer room
* Car parking with easy access to the building
* Separate retreat director's flat with own lounge, bathroom and toilet.

  NOTE: THE RETREAT DIRECTOR'S FLAT NOT AVAILABLE FOR SEPARATE HIRE – ONLY AS PART OF BETHLEHEM HIRE

Chapel

Our Chapel is available for all retreatants to use. A great place to sit and pray quietly or to share in a group liturgy. The chapel can seat up to 50 people.