Malvern Retreat House History
The Malvern Retreat House, owned and operated by Catholic laity since 1921, serves the spiritual needs of lay men and women of all ages, as well as clergy and religious of many denominations, through the retreat experience. Rooted in the Gospel Truths of Jesus Christ, we provide a place of hospitality in a unique and peaceful environment.
Owned and operated by the Laymen’s Retreat League, Malvern Retreat House is a spiritual sanctuary with a long-standing Catholic retreat history. As the largest Catholic retreat house in the U.S., this spiritual sanctuary hosts 350 private rooms, two chapels, five oratories, a large conference center and a dining hall in the Main Retreat House. In addition, a self-contained building - The McShain-Horstmann Family Life Center - offers 50 handicap-accessible rooms. In this building, individuals are offered amenities including a private bath in each room.
In essence, Malvern Retreat House offers two separate retreat environments; the Main Retreat House and the Family Life Center. Well over one million individuals have participated in the retreat experience since 1922 with approximately 20,000 men, women, families, married couples and youth now making the journey to this countryside sanctuary. As a Catholic retreat house, we also offer the guidance and comfort to other Christian denominations seeking to utilize the prayerful environment and facilities for their ministries. While staying with us, you will experience our gift of hospitality; clean, comfortable, private rooms and delicious meals served by our retreat-friendly staff.