La Foresta Retreat House

La Foresta was one of the special places that St. Francis often visited for solitude and prayer. We are blessed to have this lovely House of Prayer to share the contemplative silence and solitude that are our riches as Poor Clares. So we named it after this special place in Assisi.

It is located on our monastery property nestled among the trees.

We offer this as an ecumenical retreat house.  It has three guest rooms, a completely furnished kitchen, a Great Room and two patios.

La Foresta enables us to share the good things of our God with people in our area of Greenville county as well as to welcome guests from other parts of our country and the world.

Retreatants experience "God with us" as they have the opportunity to:

• Meditate on Scripture.

• Attend Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours with the Poor Clare community.

• Spend time in personal prayer and reflection. 

• Enjoy the healing power of nature.

• Experience the peace, simplicity and joy of a Franciscan holy place.

• Share silence and solitude with others who are on retreat.

• Deepen in faith as you learn through the books and tapes available at La Foresta.

• Have time for journaling, exercise, walking.

• Receive spiritual direction.

• Enjoy a flexible schedule suited to your needs. 

• Experience the support of the prayers of the Poor Clare nuns. 

• Celebrate the wonder of Creation in the 160 acre nature preserve across the street or drive to nearby Paris Mountain State Park with hiking trails, lakes and waterfalls.

• Take time for rest and renewal.

• Remain open to the surprises of God.

To make a reservation or for more information contact Sr. Bernadette Marie

by phone: 864.834.8015 or

by email: bernadettec@juno.com