The IHM Spirituality Center is a place of retreat and renewal for people who gather from all walks of life. Here they come to dwell within its rooms and walk the quiet paths that surround Villa Maria House of Studies.
The IHM Spirituality Center is situated across from the Immaculata University campus in the heart of Chester County. Acres of woods and fields and miles of walking paths invite the retreatant to explore the tranquility that nature offers. Stations of the cross as well as a variety of shrines and statues can be found in the surroundings. A lovely, small chapel invites the seeker of peace to come aside and rest with the Lord.
The Spirituality Center offers facilities such as:
- 35+ single bedrooms on two separate floors
- A large presentation area with multi-media capability
- Meeting, conference, and informal gathering rooms
- Dining areas
- Internet access, elevator and handicap accessible entrance
- Private rooms for meditation, spiritual direction, confession or counseling
Upcoming Retreat Days
Thursday mornings throughout the year
Lectio Divina: Praying with the Sunday Scriptures
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Presenter: Sister Anne Marie Stegmaier, IHM
Come join us as we reflect on the Sunday Gospel using the practice of Lectio Divina (“Divine Reading”). Lectio Divina is a method for praying with the Scriptures through reading, meditation, contemplation, and prayer. Registration is not necessary. Please come when you are able.
Contact Sister Anne Marie at ihmspcenter@gmail.com or 610-647-4136 for specifics.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
A Retreat with the Psalms
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Sister J. Sheila Galligan, IHM
The Psalms provide timely, timeless prayer poems that spring from the raw material that we call human life! Are you alert to the Church’s gift of a Psalm at every Mass? This presentation will provide some clues and cues for understanding, appreciating and applying the Psalms in everyday life. We will also take some time to meditate on the message and meaning proclaimed in the well-loved Psalms of Trust and Confidence – “Holy Triplets “of Psalms 23, 121, and 91.
Contact Sister Anne Marie at ihmspcenter@gmail.com or 610-647-4136 for specifics or to RSVP.
Wednesday, September 24
Morning of Quiet Prayer
9:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Enjoy a quiet morning in the presence of God. The day begins with Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours), followed by a Conference on Prayer. Quiet time will be available to spend in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacred Heart Chapel, to pray the Stations of the Cross (available in the chapel, the arcade, and outside), and to walk around the grounds, enjoying nature, and visiting the outside shrines. There will be a Midday Prayer followed by departure.
Contact Sister Anne Marie at ihmspcenter@gmail.com or 610-647-4136 for specifics or to RSVP.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Morning of Quiet Prayer
9:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Enjoy a quiet morning in the presence of God. The day begins with Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours), followed by a Conference on Prayer. Quiet time will be available to spend in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacred Heart Chapel, to pray the Stations of the Cross (available in the chapel, the arcade, and outside), and to walk around the grounds, enjoying nature, and visiting the outside shrines. There will be a Midday Prayer followed by departure.
Contact Sister Anne Marie at ihmspcenter@gmail.com or 610-647-4136 for specifics or to RSVP.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
“Lord, It Is Good to Give Thanks to You”
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Sister Patricia McDermott, IHM
Gratitude is the basis of all holiness. In our session today we will explore the power and gift of gratitude in our everyday lives. Come and join us for our afternoon session which includes a presentation, prayer, reflective time, and sharing.
Contact Sister Anne Marie at ihmspcenter@gmail.com or 610-647-4136 for specifics or to RSVP.
Thursday, October 23, 2025
A Retreat Day with the Saints
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Sister J. Sheila Galligan, IHM
“Catherine of Siena: God’s Feisty Model of Mercy” – come to meet and to get to know God’s special star, his beloved Catherine of Siena! This feisty disciple’s life and her writings will provide us with a way to set the world on fire with merciful love. And “Out of the Birdbath: St. Francis of Assisi” – forget the birdbath on the lawn! Francis of Assisi was a feisty mystic whose life confronted comfort and who calls us to conversion. Let’s take time to strip away the legends and rediscover the man who mirrored Christ with startling clarity.
Contact Sister Anne Marie at ihmspcenter@gmail.com or 610-647-4136 for specifics or to RSVP.
November 14 -16, 2025
Silent Guided Retreat
Coming to Know Yourself as the Beloved of God Through Contemplative Ways of Praying
7:00 p.m. Friday – 2:00 p.m. Sunday
Presenters: Sister Rose Adams, IHM and Sister Kathy Benham, IHM
There are many ways to pray and to come to know God’s unique and favored love for each one of us. This silent guided retreat will explore several ways of praying contemplatively to assist us in knowing and loving God in a more intimate and personal way. Participants will be given the opportunity to pray with various prayer styles. Optional gatherings for sharing the fruits and graces of prayer will be offered.
Contact Sister Anne Marie at ihmspcenter@gmail.com or 610-647-4136 for specifics or to RSVP.
November 19, 2025
Morning of Quiet Prayer
9:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Enjoy a quiet morning in the presence of God. The day begins with Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours), followed by a Conference on Prayer. Quiet time will be available to spend in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacred Heart Chapel, to pray the Stations of the Cross (available in the chapel, the arcade, and outside), and to walk around the grounds, enjoying nature, and visiting the outside shrines. There will be a Midday Prayer followed by departure.
Contact Sister Anne Marie at ihmspcenter@gmail.com or 610-647-4136 for specifics or to RSVP.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
It’s Advent Time: Discovering the Beauty of the “O Antiphons”
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Sister Kathryn Benham, IHM
As we prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, we will spend time together uncovering the depth and meaning that the ancient “O Antiphons” have to offer for our prayer and reflection. Using music, visual and contemplative quiet, participants will come to appreciate more deeply this rich treasure found in our Advent liturgy.
Contact Sister Anne Marie at ihmspcenter@gmail.com or 610-647-4136 for specifics or to RSVP.
December 17, 2025
Morning of Quiet Prayer
9:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Enjoy a quiet morning in the presence of God. The day begins with Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours), followed by a Conference on Prayer. Quiet time will be available to spend in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacred Heart Chapel, to pray the Stations of the Cross (available in the chapel, the arcade, and outside), and to walk around the grounds, enjoying nature, and visiting the outside shrines. There will be a Midday Prayer followed by departure.
Contact Sister Anne Marie at ihmspcenter@gmail.com or 610-647-4136 for specifics or to RSVP.
The Spirituality Center welcomes peoples of all faith denominations, spiritualities, and prayer groups, as well as persons of all ethnic and racial backgrounds. Gatherings up to 100 persons may use the facilities for a day or an evening; Large dining areas and chapel are available for these groups. Overnight groups are limited to 38. Special programs and retreats are scheduled throughout the year and are held during the day, in the evening, or on weekends.
Fees designated by the IHM Spirituality Center allow us to maintain our facilities and programs. Contributions are accepted with gratitude.
IHM Spirituality Center
210 IHM Drive
Malvern, PA 19355
610-647-4136
Email – ihmspcenter@gmail.com
Director – Sister Anne Marie Stegmaier, IHM
Directions to Villa Maria House of Studies
Once on the House of Studies property, pass the first left (Academy Drive) and take the second left (IHM Drive). Pass the loading dock on your right to 210 IHM Drive – Spirituality Center
