Copper Ridge Conference Centre

Recently I had occasion to make my annual retreat at the Copper Ridge Retreat Centre of Opus Dei in Britannia Beach. Given that many of the usual venues for retreats were unavailable this year, Opus Dei is to be commended for “stepping up to the plate” so to speak. Mine was the first priest retreat they had ever offered. The spiritual conferences were both uplifting, yet down to earth in the many practical applications made to the priests’ daily life. From the truly beautiful chapel to the magnificent vistas of ocean and mountains from the refectory, it was truly a wonderful setting for prayer and meditation. The entire retreat reflected the love and veneration that the sainted founder of Opus Dei, Jose Maria Esciriva, had for the Priesthood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, expressed also in the attention to the details of Divine Worship. Enroll for a retreat at Copper Ridge. You won’t regret it!

I am one of the fortunate ladies who attended a retreat at the beautiful new Copper Ridge Conference Centre before we were all confined to our homes.  The spiritually uplifting meditations and talks, coupled with the beauty of the oratory and the surrounding natural beauty have helped sustain me in faith and hope during this COVID19 pandemic and given me more tools for helping others in their spiritual journey.

Copper Ridge Conference Centre is Spectacular: As you walk into the Centre's dining room you look down into Howe Sound in all its splendour of calm water and Anvil and Gambier Islands. It is so easy to lift your arms in exaltation and sing the popular Church hymn: Sing to the mountains, sing to the sea, or simply sing a heart song as I did. The chapel's floor to ceiling stained glass windows are only surpassed by the life sized statuary of Mary and John looking up at the Crucified Christ. He in turn gazes down at them. The scene is captivating and realistic! Down the road from the Centre and up a short trail and there is Mary in a natural grotto setting. Two outdoor pews and kneelers accommodate a small group who come to honor Our Lady. Behind the Centre is a mountain side full of cedars, firs and hemlocks and trails for various hikes. In front of the Centre lies the spectacular inland waterway of Howe Sound. The meals are ample and satisfying. Guests dine while seabirds glide in the sea breezes.

During my later teenage years, I was searching and lukewarm in my faith. The genuine friendship and solid formation I received at the Centre enabled me to reencounter Christ and grow in my relationship with Him. The message of Opus Dei has taught me to direct all my actions and ordinary duties towards a Father who truly loves me as His son.