The Mount celebrates 75 years!

I remember the first time I visited Mount St. Francis, affectionally known as "The Mount." 

As I drove down Retreat Road, a sense of calm enrobed me. The “Shalom” sign brought warmth that even the cold, biting December day couldn’t snatch away. Friar Dan welcomed my family and me at the door, and I just couldn’t stop smiling. Though this had to be the quietest I’ve ever been in my entire life (I’m usually quite noisy, but a silent retreat was in progress), I felt joy, goodness, and community bubbling around me.

A small group of Franciscan Friars arrived in 1949 to a ranch in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. I learned that the land, along with the original sandstone house, was purchased by the Franciscans on March 10, 1949. Through a generous donation of the surrounding land by Mr. Clair J. Cote, The Mount secured nearly 500 acres of land which includes a ravine, grasslands, and part of the big hill.

​Following the establishment of accommodations, retreat ministry began on August 15, 1949, initially catering to the clergy of the Diocese of Calgary and later explanding to include retreats for all. Over the years, continuous retreat ministry has been made possible through partnerships with the Sisters of St. Elizabeth, the Sisters of St. Louis, and countless lay men and women. Since then, Mount Saint Francis Retreat Centre has served as a spiritual sanctuary, an embodiment of peace, healing and prayer.

For seventy-five years, the faithful in our diocese and beyond have come to spend time in quiet contemplation, connect with Christ, enjoy the gift of solace, and reflect on the teachings of St. Francis and St. Clare. To many, this place gives offers a chance to reorient their lives, or start anew. 

My friend, Maritza Chouza, who serves as Director of Youth for Our Lady of the Angels Messenger, shared, "Mount St Francis is a beautiful place where I can bring my heart and fill it with peace and joy, while receiving the spiritual nourishment that we all need."

The retreat house attracts over 2000 people annually to spend time in prayer and silence. Guests participate in weekend silent retreats, addiction recovery serenity retreats, private hermitage experiences, outdoor retreats. But that's not all. The Mount also organizes walks on their beautiful trails and invite everyone to participate in their outdoor Way of the Cross pilgrimages. Annual events like the Greccio Christmas Pageant and the Blessing of Pets are also staples for families in our diocese, continually adding to the strong sense of fraternity and community in our diocese, especially at this season of Renewal.

Celebrate with us!

The Franciscan Friars and Staff at Mount Saint Francis invite everyone to Celebrate Sacred Space on August 10 & 11, 2024. The anniversary celebrations will be a time to reflect on The Mount’s rich history and to express gratitude to the countless individuals who have been part of this beautiful journey. 

Whether you have been journeying with The Mount for decades or are just discovering it for the first time, you are welcome to the anniversary celebrations. Saturday, August 10 is the Family Festival Day featuring musical performances, food trucks, anniversary ice-cream flavours by MacKay’s Ice-cream, face painting, and so much more.

For the past five years I have been part of the Retreat team at The Mount and I'm always in awe of how God touches people's lives through simple pauses of quiet, a reflection shared and in the invitation to be away on retreat. ​The Friars before me and the Friars who built Mount St. Francis knew the importance of these gifts, it is why we continue to offer them today and why we celebrate seventy-five years." ~Brother Michael Perras, OFM

On Sunday, August 11, we will celebrate the Anniversary Mass with Bishop William McGrattan and Provincial Pierre Charland, OFM, followed by a complimentary catered BBQ banquet and MacKay’s ice cream. The celebrations on both days offer a chance to experience Mount Saint Francis and enjoy a fun-filled summer day with the entire family. From biking trails to a quiet chapel, there is something for everyone. Bus charters are available from Calgary. To register for bus charters and the events on both days please visit the 75 th anniversary tab at The Mount’s website mountstfrancis.ca  

Needless to say, I'm eagerly looking forward to this anniversary event! I hope to hear the sounds of children giggling and laughing in an otherwise quiet sanctuary. I am especially excited for the celebration of the Eucharist, a thanksgiving for all the blessings my family and I have received through the gift of The Mount.

Place your mind before the mirror of eternity! Place your soul in the brilliance of glory! Place your heart in the figure of the divine substance and through contemplation, transform your entire being into the image of the Godhead”
​~ St. Clare of Assisi​

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Written by Cecilia D'Mello for Faithfully. Cecilia lives in Calgary with her husband Neil and her three-year old daughter Azaelea. She attends St. Joseph's Parish in Calgary and is passionate about bringing young families to/back to Christ. She enjoys reading, painting, crocheting and hiking. Photos courtesy of Cecilia and Mount St. Francis.