The Manresan clubs of Saint Louis have a long and illustrious history born out of laymen's desire to experience the benefits of Ignatian
Spirituality on a basis more frequent than that of an annual Jesuit-led retreat. The movement continues today, offering
men and women an opportunity to share their faith and experiences of Ignatian spirituality with others. The mission of the Manresan
Society is to provide a monthly renewal for White House retreatants under the spiritual guidance of the Jesuits.
White House
retreats and Manresans share common origins established over 80 years ago. Both reinforce and reflect upon the vision
of St. Ignatius Loyola. During World War I, a group of laymen making annual retreats at the St. Stanislaus Novitiate in Florissant
began meeting monthly to share their faith dialogue. These men enlisted the support of Jesuit teachers from SLU and SLU
High as the spiritual directors of these groups. The first group of 12, formed in 1921 and known as Loyola, became the
first Manresan club in the United States. In 1921, a second group formed and called themselves Francis Xiaver. Thus,
the Manresan Society was born.
