OPENING OF THE FATHER SOLANUS RETREAT CENTER
Father Solanus Casey, OFM Cap., recognized for his great holiness, often expressed his love for God through the simple gift of hospitality. To welcome, in the name of Christ, expresses in a tangible way, Christ’s command to “serve rather than be served.” In Romans 12:13, we are reminded “you should make hospitality your care.”
Therefore, it seems appropriate that the small retreat center at Most Blessed Sacrament Friary in Newark, N.J. reflect the “hospitable heart” of Fr. Solanus Casey, OFM, Cap. Archbishop John Myers, in welcoming the friars to the Archdiocese of Newark, had one special request—that we reach out in some way to the spiritual needs of the priests of the Archdiocese. The Solanus Retreat is a response to that request. With the retreat center 95% complete, we are about to open this new apostolate to offer to priests, religious, brothers, and seminarians a touch of Franciscan hospitality. The love of St. Francis for priests is reflected in his words, “I act this way because in this world, I see nothing corporally of the Most High Son of God, except His Body and Blood which they(priests)receive and they(priests)alone administer to others.”
Through the great generosity of so many of our friends, this project was able to be completed. Priests, including the late Msgr. Richard McGuiness, Fr. Ignatius Kuziemski, and Fr. Michael Mickelson, remembering this project in their wills, helped in financing the transformation of the old monastery infirmary into a prayerful and appropriate “oasis in the city.” The hard work of many of our friars, especially Br. Felix and Br. Andrew, and the dedicated labor of Stas and Marion created a transformation that is both simple and beautiful.
We are planning to dedicate and bless the Solanus Retreat early in November. Br. Philip will accept requests for reservations at the Mission Office number 973-623-3307. For the time being, at least, the retreat center is offered for a private retreat experience.
The Solanus Retreat Center consists of eight rooms, a kitchen and dining area, a large living room, a reading solarium, a small library, and three full bathrooms. There is a private entrance to the center next to the Chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels. Please remember in your prayers this simple work of hospitality in the hearts of Fr. Solanus and St. Francis.
Fr. Mariusz Koch, CFR