Love Jesus our Lord and Savior
We Come to Serving & Believing God’s Word and Spirit
Where We Share God’s Truth
Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House was built by the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana, in 1938 and was donated to the Society of Jesus. The Jesuits have administered and cared for the house since that time. For over 70 years now, this oasis of prayer has been helping to form the spirituality of people in all walks of life — from our area and beyond. We believe that Our Lady of the Oaks Jesuit Retreat House is a jewel in the crown of Grand Coteau, Louisiana. This village is home for the Jesuit order (Society of Jesus) in Louisiana and is also the place where dedicated Sacred Heart Sisters have educated young women for many years. Grand Coteau is not only beautiful, it is holy ground.
Vacation with God
Basque saint and founder of the Jesuit order, Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House offers conference style retreats for men, women, and couples. These retreats, directed by Jesuit priests and thoroughly trained lay directors, are based on St. Ignatius of Loyola’s famous Spiritual Exercises. Mass, Reconciliation, Way of the Cross, and the Rosary are also featured during the retreat experience.
Our room capacity is 51 and most of our rooms have private baths. A gracious library, newly renovated chapel, and colorfully landscaped grounds provide the backdrop for wonderful retreats. We also have a private visit chapel that many enjoy. Most visitors brag about our food…the coffee is always hot and snacks are available at all times.
Built in Spanish mission style, the facility features an enclosed courtyard with the peaceful sounds of a flowing fountain and lots of seating area. Old oaks grace this central patio and squirrels and birds make themselves at home — to the delight of those who visit. There are many vistas to explore nearby.
When the retreat house was dedicated, in October of 1938, Lafayette’s bishop expressed the hope that, “the laity will make the retreat house a beehive of spiritual activity.” This hope is continuously being realized as so many find their way to peace and renewal at Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House.