About Us
Welcome to the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien, Illinois.
The rich tradition of Carmelite spirituality and hospitality provides a setting for a variety of programs for men and women seeking a deeper experience of God and of themselves. We welcome groups who facilitate their own meetings, retreats, or workshops.
We believe that God is present in every person, event, and experience of our lives. Sometimes we need to get away or slow down to listen to our life – to the voice of God. The belief that God speaks through and embraces every experience of our life underlies all the programs we offer here at the Carmelite Spiritual Center.
Our staff welcomes you with warm and respectful hospitality. Our website explains our programs and facility. Only you know the longing that is God calling from within and beyond. We offer time and space to help you listen more clearly to the God Who is always present. ~ Fr. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm., Director
Accommodations
Our facility offers 58 comfortable rooms with private baths. Each room has two beds, a desk, closet, and individual heating and air-conditioning controls. The entire facility is air-conditioned and for everyone’s health and safety, there is no smoking indoors. Delicious home-cooked meals and the warm hospitality of our staff are hallmarks of our Center.
Meeting Rooms
The Spiritual Center has many multipurpose meeting rooms accommodating groups from 15 to 150. All are comfortable, carpeted spaces ideal for retreats, days of renewal, seminars and conferences. Call our office for rates and availability, 630-969-4141.
Directions
We are located at 8419 Bailey Road in Darien, Illinois. Situated off the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) in the western Chicagoland suburb of Darien, Illinois the Carmelite Spiritual Center is easily reached by car.
From the North
I -294 South to I -55 South. Exit I-55 at Cass Avenue North, exit 273B. Turn left (west) at first stop light (at the Shell station); proceed around the curves to Bailey Road, turn right (north). The Spiritual Center is a quarter-mile ahead, on your right, the large multi-winged building just before the Meditation Garden and gazebo. The entrance is on the north side of the building, facing the gazebo.
From the South
I-294 North to I-55 South. Exit I-55 at Cass Ave. North and proceed as in bold print above.
From the West
I-355 South to I-55 North. Exit at Cass Ave. North and proceed as in bold print above.
From Route 80
From the West, Rt. 80 East to I-55 North, exit Cass Ave. North and proceed as in bold print above.
From the East
Rt. 80 West to I-294 North to I-55 South. Exit Cass Ave. North and proceed as in bold print above.
Other Darien Campus Attractions
National Shrine & Museum of St. Therese
Our complex is also home to the beautiful shrine and museum devoted to Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower. Mass is offered Monday-Friday at 11:30 AM in the newly constructed Shrine building.
The newly expanded gift shop carries a wonderful variety of religious art, gifts, music and books. A special children’s section carries quality, age appropriate books and videos. There is a wonderful selection of gifts for Christmas, First Communions, Baptisms, Weddings, etc. Their website offers an exciting selection of merchandise from the store.
The Gift Shop is open daily from 10 AM – 4 PM.
Carmelite Meditation Garden and Stations of the Cross
Directly to the north of the Spiritual Center, the Carmelite Meditation Garden offers a restful and reflective outdoor space for prayer and contemplation. Surrounding the beautiful gazebo and water feature are the Stations of the Cross. We invite you to enjoy this special space while you stay at the Spiritual Center.
For more information, write or call the Center:
Phone: 630-969-4141
Fax: 630-969-3376
Email: retreats@carmelitespiritualcenter.org
Office hours are 8 AM – 4 PM Monday through Friday.