Welcome to Galilee Centre

A Perfect Spiritual Setting Year Round

Situated next to an old growth forest overlooking the Ottawa River, Galilee Centre is a welcoming place for retreat and reflection, rooted in the Catholic tradition and open to people of all faiths—or none—who seek renewal, connection, and time in a sacred community.

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News From Galilee Centre

Click here for our full newsletter.

Entering the Galilee Labyrinth

Built in the year 2000 as a Millennium project supported by the Oblate community, Board, and staff, the Galilee Outdoor Labyrinth holds deep historical significance. Inspired by the renowned labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral, France, it follows the Chartres style with an 11-circuit design.

The next guided Labyrinth Retreat will take place on June 10, 2026, facilitated by Susan Kehoe. Click here for more information.Built in the year 2000 as a Millennium project supported by the Oblate community, Board, and staff, the Galilee Outdoor Labyrinth holds deep historical significance. Inspired by the renowned labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral, France, it follows the Chartres style with an 11-circuit design.

The next guided Labyrinth Retreat will take place on June 10, 2026, facilitated by Susan Kehoe. Click here for more information.

This week we recognize and celebrate the 25 years of service that Alan Budarick has offered to Galilee Centre. Today, Alan is the Guest Services, Security & Facilities Supervisor. He is the supervisor for the housekeeping and groundskeeping staff, does housekeeping, helps to manage the care and repairs of the facilities. He ensures set up for all the groups visiting the Centre and always ensures the dining room is beautifully decorated for events.

Alan has been at Galilee through the sale of the Gillies House and Grove lands, multiple closure announcements, a wide array of operation models, and leadership teams. He is one of the Galilee Community memory keepers, sharing stories of the history and remembering those who have contributed to in many ways. Thank you, Alan, for all your hard work, your humour, and your ongoing commitment.This week we recognize and celebrate the 25 years of service that Alan Budarick has offered to Galilee Centre. Today, Alan is the Guest Services, Security & Facilities Supervisor. He is the supervisor for the housekeeping and groundskeeping staff, does housekeeping, helps to manage the care and repairs of the facilities. He ensures set up for all the groups visiting the Centre and always ensures the dining room is beautifully decorated for events.

Alan has been at Galilee through the sale of the Gillies House and Grove lands, multiple closure announcements, a wide array of operation models, and leadership teams. He is one of the Galilee Community memory keepers, sharing stories of the history and remembering those who have contributed to in many ways. Thank you, Alan, for all your hard work, your humour, and your ongoing commitment.


Mindfulness in the Labyrinth: A Walking Meditation Day Retreat

June 10th, 2026

Summer Celebration BBQ

June 11th, 2026

Strawberry Social

July 1st, 2026


Community Spotlight

Dancing the Heroine’s Journey

Jul 31st – Aug 3rd, 2026

Growing in Wisdom: Seeking Deeper Generativity

Begins September 2026


On-Going Programs

Melodies of Heavens Open Mic

June 17th, 2026

Yin Yoga With Christin

Friday Mornings from 10 to 11

Pilates, Yoga + Breathwork

Select Sundays 9 am


Our Synod Journey

 

Over the past few years, in partnership with the Centre Oblat, the Star of the North Retreat House, and Queen’s House Retreat Centre (closed July 2024), a series of speaker panels was convened to discuss the Synodal Process in Canada and beyond. The video of the November 20, 2024 panel discussion is now available, along with the PowerPoint presentations from the speakers Fr. Ray Lafontaine, Episcopal Vicar of the Archdiocese of Montreal, Sr. Elizabeth Davis, rsm, Sisters of Mercy, Newfoundland. and Bob Czerny, member of St. Basil’s Catholic Parish, Ottawa, ON.

The next panel discussion is set for June 4, 2026. Click here for more information.

Click here for more information on the Synod and to view the videos of the previous speaker panel events.

30 Days of Hope

 

It was wonderful to journey together last month during our “30 Days of Hope” event! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated by reading the reflections, sharing their insightful thoughts in the comments, and joining our Friday Zoom sessions. Your engagement truly enriched our shared experience as we explored Pope Francis’ powerful message to be “Pilgrims of Hope and Builders of Peace.”

If you missed out on this period of reflection based on the booklet “What Pope Francis Says About Hope,” we encourage you to visit the page and take some time to review the daily posts. You’ll find excerpts, reflections, questions for contemplation, and prayers that guided our journey. While the live Zoom sessions have concluded, the wealth of wisdom and inspiration shared remains available for you to explore.

As we continue our walk through the Jubilee Holy Year in 2025, may we all embrace the call to be “Pilgrims of Hope.”