Friars Invited to Contemplative Days at Mt. Irenaeus

Maria Hayes Around the Province

MtIrenaeus

WEST CLARKSVILLE, N.Y. — Franciscan friars throughout the United States are invited to this year’s Contemplative Days from June 13 to 17 at Mt. Irenaeus.

Almost from its beginning, the Franciscan mountain retreat in western New York has hosted Franciscan men and women, and Camaldolese Benedictines, to enjoy and explore the quiet at the Mountain and to learn from one another as a way to deepen their contemplative practices.

This year, these groups are invited to gather again to celebrate and reflect on the contemplative life. Participants will be free to spend most of their time as they wish — “reading, resting or roaming around” the Mountain’s almost 400 acres of trails, woodland, ponds and open spaces, according to a letter from Kevin Kriso, OFM, guardian, and Daniel Riley, OFM, animator. Mt. Irenaeus also includes a chapel, a hermitage and a large timber-framed common house, the House of Peace. Those who wish to do physical indoor or outdoor labor will be “gratefully accommodated.”

“Throughout the world, there is a hunger and need for all of us to take time with our relationship with God and listen to what is ours to do,” said Kevin and Dan. “Many times, more ‘practical’ concerns compete for our attention, but in reality, taking time with God is probably the most ‘practical’ thing we can do. Maybe this event is an invitation to you from God to take some time away.”

Mt. Irenaeus has availability in 14 single-occupancy rooms in cabins and hermitages. Reservations will be accepted on a first come, first-served basis. To make a reservation, call 585-973-2470 or email Michelle Marcellin, office coordinator, at mmarc@sbu.edu by April 1.

The 30-year-old Mt. Irenaeus also offers a variety of other programs and activities. Information about upcoming events can be found on the Mountain’s website and Facebook page.

— Maria Hayes is communications coordinator for Holy Name Province.

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