Visiting Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House: An Urban Spiritual Oasis in Indianapolis
By Petula Brown
Through the years, my CWCJ travels have taken me to numerous locales in Michigan and Ohio—states where I have a fair degree of history (personal and professional). Realizing that Ann Arbor’s neighbor to the southwest deserved some of the spotlight, I wanted to explore the scene in northern Indiana. Since I’m a regular on I-94, I took the road less traveled through Fort Wayne via US-24 then I-69 to reach my destination.
Though the area is still considered the northern U.S., I felt a distinct southern vibe. At a pit stop on the outskirts of Fort Wayne, the concessions staff kept calling me “Ma’am.” With an open mind and an adventurous spirit, I continued toward a retreat location 10 miles from downtown. Most of my retreat experiences have been in relatively rustic or secluded areas, so an urban retreat seemed a bit oxymoronic. Yet, as I drove up an unassuming driveway between I-69 and a major thoroughfare (Bindford Boulevard) surrounded by woods and modest structures, I felt like I was transported to an oasis of calm. At the center of the oasis stood Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House.
Given my urban roots, I usually visit neighborhoods, explore museums, and sample restaurants when visiting cities, but after a nearly four-hour drive that concluded with a jaunt in construction traffic, my body was looking for recuperation—and Fatima delivered.
Before entering the main building with my luggage, I paused to survey the tranquil landscape surrounding the parking lot. Though steps from a major roadway, the grounds were sheltered from the busy comings and goings of an urban area. Taking a few deep breaths, it seemed like a sacred aura was encouraging me to embrace stillness. The warm greetings from Fatima’s staff reinforced my interest in keeping my Indy experience focused on emotional renewal and spiritual reflection, with Fatima an essential part of the self-directed journey.
As part of the ministry of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Fatima has a Catholic foundation that is a key part of its identity while welcoming all faiths. Settling into a room with modest furnishings (sans television or phone) for meditative practice, the space was adorned with religious symbolism (biblical scripture, crucifix). I was reminded of my Catholic upbringing and how it influenced my spiritual evolution, which incorporated a new dimension to my meditation session. Intrigued to explore further, I perused the library on the lower level of the main building before visiting the adjacent Gathering Space to snuggle in a recliner while reading library selections focused on respite and healing.
The setting was ideal for refreshing and re-grouping, but unfortunately, my visit did not coincide with a public program or workshop with a meal offering. However, Fatima’s proximity to Indy neighborhoods meant easy access to takeout options from grocers and eateries, as well as a variety of dine-in restaurants. During a dinner excursion, it was intriguing to see the high-energy activity during the State Fair at the nearby Indiana Fairgrounds contrasted with the calm environs of Eagle Creek Park’s woodlands and waterways on Indy’s west side. However, the intent to focus on inner work led to a quick return to Fatima to end the day in restorative sleep with a backdrop of classical music.
Greeting the next day after a restful sleep meant exploring Fatima’s grounds. Starting with the wooded trails on Fatima’s 13 acres, one could forget being situated in the middle of the city. The Francisco and Jacinta trails, the farthest from major roadways, are particularly serene and ideally suited to visitors who can negotiate hilly or uneven terrain. Closer to the house, Fatima offers paved walkways surrounded by tranquil landscaping providing more accessible meditative grounds. Walking meditation can also be experienced by traversing the labyrinth situated between the house and the Stations of the Cross Trail. The flora around the labyrinth (as well as the entire property) creates a calming atmosphere that encourages reflection.
Built in the 1960s on land previously owned by the Sisters of Providence, Fatima’s connection to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis has a clear Christian focus. Yet, in its quest to provide a sanctuary to “rest with God,” Fatima’s Director of Retreat and Renewal Ministry, Sandi Patel, notes that it embraces all by providing space for spiritual exploration across the ideological spectrum. She said, “No matter your faith, there is a need for retreat.” As such, Fatima is not an event center…it is a retreat center that has hosted high school programs and ministry groups with a staff focused on supporting spiritual wellness. Groups can bring food for private retreats or choose to engage the resident chef to make dining arrangements. Whether a day visitor to the grounds, a retreatant participating in a Fatima program, or a guest attending an event not sponsored by Fatima, you can find a space for contemplation and renewal.
Looking forward, Fatima aims to grow by evolving physically and by expanding program offerings. Planned facility renovations include incorporating single bathrooms within overnight accommodations to replace shared bathrooms. While Fatima will continue to provide on-site programs, a key goal is to provide offerings that extend beyond their physical location. By leveraging social media and introducing outreach services, Fatima plans to broaden its footprint as a source of spiritual support.
Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House is located at 5353 East 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46226. You can reach them by phone at (317) 545-7681, email at fatima@archindy.org, or visit their website at fatimaretreathouse-indy.org.
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