Church of Saint Anne in Jerusalem – Biblical sessions

The Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) offer at Saint Anne’s two different types of Biblical Sessions:

1. Bethesda Session – “Deepening the Word of God in the Holy Land”
2. Retreat Session – “A pilgrimage of Spiritual Renewal in the Land of Jesus”

These two sessions alternate in English and in French. They last approximately 3 months and they are open to missionaries working in Africa, to African diocesan priests and to religious men and women of different Institutes working in Africa, wanting to take a break and to deepen their commitment to the Holy Scriptures. The participants live as guests of the St Anne community in the Old City of Jerusalem. The daily timetable leaves room for reading, relaxation and visits of personal interest.

Bethesda Session

‘When Jesus saw him [at Bethesda] and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”’ Jn 5:6

A course on the Holy Scriptures with different visits to the Holy Places in order to renew and deepen one’s spiritual life. This session is based on an exchange of experiences in small groups and a joint reflection on present-day realities as well as Scripture studies and visits to Biblical places. The participants spend a week in Galilee and have an 8-day retreat here at St Anne’s.

Retreat Session

‘Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while.”’ Mk 6:31

This Biblical Session also lasts 3 months. For 7 weeks the participants study and deepen their appreciation of the Word of God and visit the Holy Places. The Session concludes with a 30-day accompanied retreat based upon the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola.

Sessions Timetable

2025

• Retreat Session in English: March – June     CANCELLED
• Bethesda Session in French: September – December

2026

• Retreat Session in French: March – June

Conditions for admission:

• age group – Bethesda Session: 40-60 years; Retreat Session: 35-50 years
• in good physical and mental health
• a recommendation from the local Provincial or Delegate of the Missionaries of Africa (if possible)

For more details contact us at:

email: [email protected]
email: [email protected]