Jesuit retreat house sustains major flood damage

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Manresa Jesuit Retreat House remains open as officials there deal with significant water damage caused by a broken sprinkler system valve Jan. 24.

About 16,000 gallons of water gushed from the ceiling in the reception area, lobby and administration offices at around 3:30 a.m., causing flooding about ankle-deep. A cause of the broken valve has not been determined.

Although a disaster restoration company had been called almost immediately, a concert Jan. 27 and Mardi Gras party Feb. 12 were canceled.

However, the main retreat house, which can house more than 70 people, will continue to operate otherwise. The cottages and other rooms were not affected by the flooding.

Officials at the Bloomfield Hills retreat house said flood insurance would cover most of the damage, but a deductible of $25,000 would have to be met. The total cost of the damage wouldn’t be known for weeks, officials said.

Manresa, owned and operated by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), provides a place of prayer, contemplation and rejuvenation for clergy, religious and laypeople, as well as conferences, events and seminars. It also has 37 acres of nature trails and woods for private meditation.
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