Find time alone with God in the peace, beauty and tranquillity of the Franciscan Centre Ladywell

Stepping back from our everyday lives to take stock of where we are and where we are going. Making big decisions about our future. Being in a time of transition. Dealing with change, loss or grief. Needing time alone in peace and quiet just to be. Perhaps you need time to process and refocus your priorities, or you crave a little solitude – and the chance to bring God back into the centre of your life. These are some of the many reasons why you might take time to be at the Franciscan Centre Ladywell.

Set in the heart of the beautiful Surrey countryside, the Franciscan Centre at Ladywell is the perfect place for anyone seeking some space and quiet time. Ladywell is the home of the FMDM Sisters who have chosen to share this space of peace, beauty, prayer and reflection where you can take quiet time away from the haste of everyday life, either on a retreat or by engaging in the programmes and workshops we offer.

The Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM), owes its beginnings to the coming together in the late 1880s of a small group of women in the northeast of England who committed their lives to following Christ by living the Gospel after the example of Francis of Assisi. Today they are an International Religious Congregation who proclaim with our lives the joy and freedom of the Gospel in the spirit of Francis and Clare of Assisi.

In striving to create a space and place for visitors to experience and develop an understanding of the Franciscan vision and wisdom for the world, The Franciscan Centre, Ladywell has become a place of welcome and hospitality, providing contemplative spaces for rest, silence, solitude, reflection and prayer.

Whether it’s just relaxing and enjoying the homely, quality accommodation, dining and other facilities for a quiet day of rest and reflection, or perhaps seeking a longer stay and deeper engagement with one of the spiritual directors, Ladywell is the perfect place for you.

They also welcome groups and organisations, who can make use of the venue and the comprehensive, modern facilities to run their own programme, retreat or event, be it for a day or for longer.

All the bedrooms are fully ensuite, and there is a range of flexible meetings rooms, accommodation and catering facilities available capable of meeting all needs – from small informal groups to large, formal events of up to 100 people. They also have a number of different prayer spaces for those seeking quiet and retreat.

They can accommodate 24 residential guests (single occupancy), or up to 41 residential guests (if sharing). Each room offers a sense of space and calm for guests seeking to spend time away from the hustle of daily life.

For those seeking more independent, self-catering accommodation there are five self-contained ground floor apartments with double beds/twin rooms, a bathroom, small kitchen and a small sitting room. For those with particular needs there are also two fully accessible ground floor bedrooms.

Particular attention has been paid to making the premises as inclusive as possible and accessible pathways, meeting rooms and dining rooms enable the beautiful grounds and facilities to be explored and enjoyed by all.

A note from the Franciscan Centre Team:

If you’re looking for the perfect introduction to the Franciscan approach to Christian spirituality, we would like to invite you to come and join us at Ladywell for our special  Easter Triduum Retreat. Running from Holy Thursday (28th March) to Easter Sunday (31st March), you are very welcome to join us as we recall and journey with Jesus in his last days, from his final meal with His disciples to His resurrection from the tomb. There will be opportunities to experience the wonderful Easter liturgies as part of a community, and to take time and space in our beautiful centre to reflect more deeply on these profound events at the very heart of our Christian faith.

If you would like to be alongside the Franciscan family as we celebrate Easter in our unique way, or indeed would like to know more about our other retreats and events, please click the link below, or call us on 01483 675575.

https://franciscancentre.org.uk/