Calgary Off The Beaten Path: Mount St. Francis Retreat
Looking for a place to get away from all the negativity in the world today? Maybe just a place to be alone for a few hours? The Mount St. Francis Retreat might just be the place – even if you aren’t Catholic or even religious.
I was intrigued to find this poster of The Black Madonna and infant given today’s BLM movement. Turns out Black Madonna’s can be found in many Orthodox Catholic countries; this one was from Poland. Link: Black Madonna
Quick Road Trip
Recently, with my Mom, a devout Catholic visiting, and thinking of things to do, I was reminded of a several tweets by Calgary journalist Mario Toneguzzi about the Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre just outside of Cochrane. It is his special place. So, we decided to check it out. A quick phone call to check if they were open to the public – they are – and off we went. Best to always check before you go.
Link: Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre
While it is just off Highway 1A on the northeast side of Cochrane, it is miles away from our crazy world. As you turn off the highway, you enter the world of acreages and then meander a winding dirt road for about three kilometers before turning into the retreat. It is well signed, you can’t miss it.
The buildings has a Mediterranean look that immediately makes you feel like you are in Italy, Spain or Portugal. You can wander the buildings and grounds at your leisure. As you might expect, there are lots of religious statues, two outdoor Stations of the Cross pathways as well as other trails.
There are several spots inviting you to sit and reflect, some with the Rocky Mountains as your background, others in the woods. There is a cozy library, as well as a small chapel in the woods where you can just sit and think.
Bonus
An unplanned bonus for my Mom was a mass shortly after we arrived, that she was able to attend. For me, it was an opportunity to explore the two Stations of the Cross, which was an interesting experience as was raised a Catholic (was even an altar boy) until my early teens, when I became an atheist.
Artifacts Slideshow (photos will change automatically)
Stations Of The Cross Slideshow
Retreat History
Mount St. Francis is a retreat centre set in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains where all are welcomed in the name of Christ. The Franciscan Friars, inspired by the vision and example of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, in collaboration with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary and many other loyal supporters, have served in this spiritual centre of peace, healing, and prayer since being founded in 1949.
Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre is a sponsored ministry of the Franciscan Friars of Canada.
Mario’s Message
I was first introduced to Mount St. Francis close to 30 years ago when I went on silent weekend retreats there every year.
Mount St. Francis is truly one of my favourite place to visit - anywhere. For me, the peaceful and tranquil setting is my spiritual go-to place when I need to feed my soul. Whether it's praying the Stations of the Cross on the hill or sitting quietly in the main field, I find the beautiful setting focuses my attention on God and my spiritual nature.
I remember once when I was walking the Stations thinking about how many people have prayed here over the decades it stunned me thinking about the thousands of people who have prayed here over the years.
I live only 20 minutes away so I often just hop into the vehicle and go out there for a couple of hours to rejuvenate and re-energize when I need it.
This reflecting pond on the lower Stations of Cross is where I would go if I needed a place to get away and think.
Little Church
There is a lovely little chapel next to the cemetery on the northwest corner of the yard that is a hidden gem. The door was open. I peeked in. It was enchanting.
Last Word
For me, wandering the Stations was definitely a catalyst for reflection on my past and a bit of bewilderment of what the future holds for all of us. Well worth the trip!
We also took the opportunity to wander Cochrane’s historic main street and enjoy a world famous McKay’s ice cream cone.
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