Father Juan de Jesús Jiménez is the Jesuit priest who has spent the last seven years leading the restoration and operation of Manresa Loyola and Manresa Altagracia, two renowned retreat centers dedicated to spiritual formation. Their continued existence stands as a testament to the generosity and commitment of countless Dominicans who believe in their mission.

To visit the retreat houses, I invited two engineer cousins, Alexandra Oviedo and Manuel Suárez, whose professional expertise made them ideal companions for this tour. Father Jiménez, a modern-day renaissance priest, guided us through the ongoing and planned restoration projects that, as donations become available, will gradually return both facilities to their full potential.

At Manresa Loyola, I was surprised not to see a large sign at the entrance stating:

“This Property Is Not for Sale”

The retreat center is located along the road leading to the country’s busiest commercial port and is now surrounded by major shipping and logistics companies seeking room to expand.

According to Father Jiménez, the master plan for maintenance and restoration was developed by a volunteer architect and close friend who remains actively involved in every stage of the project.

One of the main objectives is to preserve Manresa’s original entrance, with its tree-lined avenue and gardens that naturally invite prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

The main chapel has been one of the highest priorities for renovation and has already benefited significantly from donations. Individual seating has been restored, and additional work continues. A second chapel and two meeting halls have already been completed and are now available for the return of in-person retreats.

Retreat programs remain the institution’s primary source of income, and demand for the facilities continues to be strong.

“Funding for renovation projects comes from donations and low-interest loans.”

Guest accommodations are among the most urgent needs. Each retreat house contains approximately sixty rooms requiring renovation. Electrical systems and bathroom upgrades represent some of the most significant expenses due to the age of the buildings.

Support from government authorities is also being sought for key infrastructure improvements, including road paving and enhanced access routes. The relaunch of Helados Manresa could become another important source of revenue, contributing to the project’s long-term sustainability.

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How to Contribute

• Account Holder: Fundación Manresa
• Tax ID (RNC): 430-06184-2
• Bank: BHD León
• Checking Account (DOP): 1568305-002-6
• Savings Account (USD): 15683050034

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Father Juan de Jesús Jiménez expresses his gratitude for every gesture of support, collaboration, and outreach that helps advance the spiritual mission and retreat ministry of Manresa Loyola and Manresa Altagracia.

Article by José Alfredo Guerrero