Nearby Spiritual Retreat Locations
(March, 2005)
Suffolk County
is the destination of many vacationers, especially in the summertime. Many would
like to also inhabit a peaceful, meditative space during their stay.
For those enjoying
both indoor and outdoor meditation, Cormaria Retreat House (http://www.cormaria.org, Bay St., Sag Harbor, NY
11963; 631-725-4206) will be a destination of choice. Consisting of 18 acres fronting on Sag Harbor
Beach, Cormaria can accommodate up to 70 persons in air-conditioned private
and double rooms. About five years ago they completed a building renovation for
their 50th anniversary, redesigning the large and small meeting rooms and reconfiguring the dining room, which
has a view of the water. The chapel also overlooks the bay. The building is also handicapped-accessible, and home cooked meals are served.
The spacious grounds of
Cormaria allow for long, quiet walks on the beach, in their butterfly garden, or through their garden labyrinth. You will find a gazebo along the way. A favorite of Sister
Ann Marino, Director of the retreat house, is the Hermitage, a small house set off from everything else nearby. “Come and see, and spend time with your God,” Sr. Ann suggests.
Staffing Cormaria are the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, who “offer hospitality to people of all faiths
for spiritual and human growth”. A dinner and evening of prayer for women
is held each Wednesday from October thru June.
Another destination
for spiritual retreat and renewal can be found in Ronkonkoma,
at the mission of the Cenacle Sisters (http://www.cenaclesisters.org/ronkonkoma.htm, The Cenacle, 310
Cenacle Rd., P.O. Box 4005, Ronkonkoma, 11963; 631-588-8366). Their extensive retreat schedule is available online at http://www.cenaclesisters.org/ronschedule.htm. Individual retreats
are also available.
The word “Cenacle”,
or “Upper Room”, refers to the space in Acts 1:14, where the friends of Jesus, and Mary, gathered after the crucifixion
and “with one accord devoted themselves to prayer”. Founded by St.
Therese Couderc in France in the year
1826, the Cenacle Sisters are a worldwide ministry devoted to retreat work and spiritual direction. Central to their mission are the Spiritual Excersizes of St. Ignatius Loyola. A free video explaining their
life and work is available on their website at http://www.cenaclesisters.org/retreats.htm.
According to Sister Mary
Spratt, Director of The Cenacle in Ronkonkoma, their main
focus is on helping people develop their relationship with God. She emphasizes
the “warm hospitality and atmosphere of peace”. Chef John loves to
prepare gourmet meals for guests whenever possible, and the Cenacle
Retreat Center can accommodate
up to 50 overnighters. One other note: on the weekend of June 3rd
through June 5th 2005 there is a “Spa Retreat for the Mind, Body and Spirit”, which includes instruction
in relaxation technique, yoga, and nutrition.
There is not enough space
here to do justice to the array of spiritual retreats in our area. For more information,
we recommend you consult the “Blue Book” for the Diocese of Rockville Center, which is available in all parish
rectories. Refer to the section titled “Retreat Houses”.
David Morrissey
