Pā Maria is a spirituality centre located in Wellington, New Zealand, conducted by the New Zealand province of the Society of Mary, (Marists).
Situated in Thorndon in the heart of a residential area, Pā Maria’s nearby parks and town belt also offer a quiet place of peace and rest for those seeking time to reflect and pray.
Pā Maria makes all aspects of Catholic spirituality ministry available and engages in areas of the spirituality ministry in a way that reflects the Marist charism.
Pā Maria also engages positively with other types of spirituality outside the mainstream Catholic or Christian areas.
Located for many years at “Futuna” in Karori, the Marist spirituality ministry moved to Thorndon in 2000 and was initially named “Emmaus” and functioned as a centre for spiritual direction.
Pa Maria Programme
Because so many of Pa Maria’s retreats and workshops are organised on a “by request” basis for individuals or for groups, it does not publish a full-year programme.
Pa Maria welcomes requests as to what may be about to be offered here at Pā Maria – or as to what you would like the Centre to offer.
The following is a list of the various options we currently offer.
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction is the ministry of supporting people in their deepening awareness of the presence and action of God in their lives.
It differs from counselling or supervision in that it is focussed on a person’s prayer – the relationship between them and God.
The Staff at Pā Maria are available for spiritual direction by arrangement.
Workshops and retreats on the Marist charism
Either programmed or on request.
The Literacy of Movies
A very popular series of evenings exploring how watching movies can help in giving us a process whereby we can come to a greater awareness of what moves us in our live and enabling participants to articulate that through reflection and discussion of the film and of its effect as felt by us.
That greater awareness has implications for living – spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, relationally.
Recollection Days/Evenings
Either programmed or on request.
Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola in everyday life
An 8 month (32 week) retreat made while a person continues his or her ordinary daily life.
The retreatant commits to praying daily on their own and to meeting with a spiritual director on a weekly basis.
Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola
A 30 day retreat – live-in at Pā Maria; maximum of 2 people at any one time. Dates by mutual arrangement. All meals are self-catering.
Weekend/5 day/8 day directed or guided retreats
Available on request for individuals or groups.
Accommodation is available for up to three people (all meals self-catered).
Non-residential retreats are also available (retreatants spend each day at Pā Maria from 9.30am – 4.00pm).
The Staff at Pā Maria are available to lead retreats in other parts of New Zealand and internationally however, commitments to our own programme always take precedence.
Training of Spiritual Directors in the Ignatian tradition
Offered through Arrupe NZ.
Other
Other programmes and workshops can be arranged by request – if we do not already offer what you are seeking, please contact Pā Maria to see what might be possible.
