Rick Hayes finds that Silence is Golden!
On Monday 23rd August I arrived at Michaelgarth, a retreat house attached to the Tymawr Convent near Monmouth. After our evening meal, the four of us on retreat were told that we were to be silent until Thursday.
So there we were, on retreat, no radio, no television, no newspapers, told not to bring anything to read other than our Bible, and to cap it all we were not allowed to speak with each other! The only time we were allowed to speak was during our daily half-hour with our retreat guide. We also joined in the noon Eucharist in the convent chapel.
Four days of silence with Bible readings, meditation, reflection and prayer was one of the most wonderful experiences I have ever had! All sorts of emotions came to me: joy, awe, humility, smiles and tears. One of the main things I learned from the four days is that we are all born with a purpose. God knew our purpose before the universe and world were formed. I also realised that one ‘little sin’ from me, added to the sins of others in this fallen world of ours, hurts our Lord very much. During the four days I had to face sins that came to mind from my youth right through to the current time. Well, I can tell you that was a great big wake up call!
I have embarked on St Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises, and this was the start of the journey. I am continuing to spend an hour a day in silence, reading either a piece written by St Ignatius or a passage from the Bible, and meditating on what God is saying to me through it. I also spend some time during my daily life withdrawing for five minutes to try and listen to what the Lord may be saying to me.
I have found that silence was - and is - golden.
Rick Hayes
If you would like to talk to Rick about his experiences of guided prayer and silent retreats, you can contact him on 01291 625796 or email
You can find other contacts on the diocesan website