Okcheon Marywood Spiritual Retreat Center (House of Retreat)

About this place

‘옥천 메리워드 영신 수련원’ is a retreat and prayer house in the Diocese of Cheongju under the responsibility of the Congregation of Jesus. The official directory of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea classifies it as a “retreat/prayer house” and explicitly names the Congregation of Jesus as the responsible religious institute. It is therefore best understood not as an ordinary parish church, but as a retreat facility run by a religious institute where people can step away from daily activity to focus on prayer and spiritual reflection.

The name “Mary Ward” connects the center with the spiritual tradition of the Congregation of Jesus. Its primary meaning lies not in exercising territorial parish jurisdiction, but in helping individuals and groups reflect on their faith through retreat and prayer. The chapel within the property is likewise best understood in the context of the liturgical and prayer life that supports retreats.