HERMITS OF ST. MARY OF CARMEL
"Come Away
and Rest
a While"
Mark 6:31
And He said to them: Come apart into a desert place, and rest a little. For there were many coming and going: and they had not so much as time to eat. And going up into a boat, they went into a desert place apart.
​— Mark 6:31-32
Generous Hospitality
The Hermitage of St. Mary of Carmel is a place apart: silent, rural, hidden—yet wholly alive in prayer. Here, on these 400 plus acres of forest and field, the Hermit Sisters continue their offering of love for God and for souls. While no longer receiving new vocations, the Hermitage has entered a new season: one of generous hospitality to priests seeking deeper recollection and spiritual renewal.
The Hidden Apostolate
Though their public ministry is limited, the Hermits of St. Mary of Carmel continue to serve the Church through prayer, hidden sacrifice, and spiritual hospitality. Welcoming priests into their silence is part of their mission.
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Donations help cover food, maintenance, and simple necessities. Your presence supports their hidden mission, and your generosity helps sustain this holy place for the future
A Sacred Place of Retreat for Priests
​We are honored to welcome Catholic priests who wish to spend time in silence, prayer, and spiritual renewal at the Hermitage. To arrange a retreat, we ask that each priest contact us in advance to confirm available dates before making travel arrangements. A current letter of good standing to the Diocese of Winona-Rochester is also required.
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For those who celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass, we kindly ask that you bring your own vestments and liturgical items, as the Hermitage does not keep a full set of supplies for the Extraordinary Form. A Latin altar missal and altar cards are available for use.
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Accommodations include a private hermitage, fully furnished with towels and linens. A simple breakfast and evening meal may be prepared using provisions stocked in the hermitage. A hearty midday meal is provided daily by the sisters.
Inquire for Availability
Kindly complete the form. One of the sisters will get back to you as soon as she can.