WEST CLARKSVILLE, N.Y. — Summer at the Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Mountain Retreat will focus on contemplative prayer and celebrations, with events planned for June and July.
Holy Name Province friars and members of other religious communities are invited to the Mountain’s annual Contemplative Days, June 23 to 27. Recognizing that contemplation is a necessity in Christian life, “We look to share in prayer, silence, discussion and community as we mutually support one another in efforts to enhance the contemplative dimension of our lives,” said John C. Coughlin, OFM. Friars interested in participating in the 2014 Contemplative Days should contact John by June 13, either by phone (585-973-2470) or by email.
For several years, the Mt. Irenaeus friars have invited those who wish to experience the contemplative way of life to take part in this annual event.
In July, the community will launch a yearlong commemoration of its 30th anniversary with Evenings of Re-creation. This year’s Evenings of Re-Creation are scheduled for the last four Wednesdays of July: 9, 16, 23, 30. Each will focus on a theme from Psalm 111 — wonder/awe, gratitude/thanksgiving, praise, and action that flows from the experience of the first three.
During the 2014-15 academic year, Daniel Riley, OFM, director of Mt. Irenaeus, and others, will be “on the road” to celebrate the anniversary at various locations.
“We will conclude the celebration with a weekend at the Mountain during summer 2015,” said Mary Schlosser, coordinator of development and volunteers. Details of the commemoration are being finalized by an anniversary committee, which she chairs.
“For more than 30 years, a community has been gathering, seeking and creating, deepening their hearts to renew the face of the earth,” Dan said in the Mountain’s spring 2014 newsletter. The issue includes historical background about the early days of the retreat center, which, Dan said, is “seeking a better term to describe itself.”
Reflections about aspects of life and liturgy can be found in the April issue of “Making All Things New,” the e-newsletter of Mt. Irenaeus, distributed during Holy Week. Photos of Dan, John and Kevin Kriso, OFM, are included.
In 2009, friars and friends of Mt. Irenaeus commemorated the 25th anniversary with a concert, dinner and celebration of the Eucharist.
— Jocelyn Thomas is director of communications for Holy Name Province. The above photo is courtesy of Mt. Irenaeus.