Our Vision

To bring souls closer to and in more intimate union with our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through Mary Immaculate, the
Mother of God and in union with St. Joseph, to assist in the
Sanctification of the Family, within the teachings and structure
of the Catholic Church, with loyalty and obedience to the Holy Father
and Magesterium of the one Holy and Apostolic Catholic Church.

Welcome to the Ave Maria Retreat Center

In 2003, John and Mary Timmons were inspired during Eucharistic Adoration to leave their Chicago area home, purchase land in downstate Illinois and start a retreat center for Catholics. After much searching, they found the perfect property in the Spring of 2004 in rural Vermilion county, north of Danville, Illinois and made the move to the country.... More >>>

Our Location

  • Nestled on ~125 heavily wooded acres, this beautiful retreat center property has been consecrated to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in union with... More >>>

Visitor Comments

"This place is awesome! So peaceful...."

—Anonymous

 

"I feel our Blessed Mother's presence when I walk on these grounds"

—Anonymous