“Francis gradually withdrew himself from the tumult of earthy things and applied himself secretly to receive Jesus Christ into his soul with that pearl of great price which he so desired as to be willing to sell all he possessed in order to gain it. To this end he often withdrew to pray in secret, incited to do so by the same sweetness in his heart which took possession of him with increasing frequency, drawing him apart to pray far from all public meeting places.” (Legend of the Three Companions, #8)
Are You Looking for...
- a sacred place for stillness and solitude
- a place to gain perspective through quiet prayer and contemplation
- a place that nourishes what is deep within the self
- a place that allows one to be quiet in the company of God and all creation
The Hermitage Experience
Designed and furnished in the tradition of Franciscan simplicity, these three hermitages, Greccio, Portiuncula and LaVerna, are special places where the routine of everyday life, its hectic pace and insistent demands, can be temporarily set aside.
What is a hermitage?
A hermitage is a small, single dwelling that provides solitude and quiet in order to assist a person listening more deeply to what God is speaking in his/her heart. It is a time to encounter self, a time for deepening one’s faith, hope and love in prayerful listening and reflection on Sacred Scripture. The hermitages are intended for those who seek God within and who are comfortable in the quiet and aloneness this type of retreat setting offers. Persons of all faith traditions and others sincerely seeking God are welcome.
Hermitage Retreats
- Day use (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
- Overnight retreats
- Week-long retreats
- Thirty-day retreats
Linens and towels are provided. Cooking facilities are available in the hermitages. Food is the responsibility of the retreatant unless other arrangements are made with the Center staff. Arrangements for Spiritual Direction or special needs should be made at the time of reservation.
Suggested Offering
- Day use: $20.00
- Overnight: $38.00
- Week: $250.00
- $5.00 additional for Hermitage #2 with a fireplace
For reservations, please contact:
Mimi DiGregory
Franciscan Spirit and Life Center
3605 McRoberts Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
(412) 881-9207
[email protected]