It's always exciting to drive down "Rosary Way" to the heart of Montfort Retreat Center… and to think that not long ago it was all just woods…dense with trees and underbrush! In our long search for camp property – it was all just a matter of perseverance before Our Lady guided us to the place that she had destined to be hers for all time. Of course, carving this "diamond in the rough" has been a big job… and it is far from finished… but it's thrilling to see so much accomplished already. The beautiful buildings and surroundings of Montfort Retreat Center stand today as a testimony of the quote of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort its patron: "If we do not risk anything for God we will never do anything great for Him." God bless everyone who has helped with this project… and please continue your prayers and support!
A bright clear spring day…hymns resounding from hundreds of souls…rosaries in hand…banners flapping in the breeze…and the Blessed Mother Statue banked with flowers, lovingly borne by four honored men; this is the May Procession – a day when we proudly display our devotion to Mary. This year, once again, the procession wound through the monastery grounds and down Still River Road, stopping at five locations to ceremoniously crown five statues of Our Lady, until it reached the Convent, where Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was held on the front lawn. Afterwards, all enjoyed the picnic throughout the afternoon. It was a beautiful day, and a beautiful tribute to the Queen of Heaven and Earth! Ave!…Ave!…Ave Maria!
With a busy schedule of marching and performing in local parades and competitions, its not too often that IHM Band gets to "show off" right here at home! And this year that is exactly what they did! On the evening of Mother's Day friends and family were crowding into Nashoba High Auditorium for the annual Spring Concert. The show boasted of a variety of musical pieces ranging from hymns to marches to some incredible solo performances by the IHM Seniors! The performance was fantastic! This slideshow, put to the recording of "William Tell Overture" that was performed on that night, is a variety of photos from the concert and one of the last parades of the school year.
The first Saturday of May is always the First Communion Mass here at Saint Benedict Center. This year nine young souls had been carefully prepared for this big moment in their lives. After months of classes and preparation the children arrived on the day, dressed in the traditional white. White suits for the boys, and white dresses and veils for the girls, symbolic of the innocence and purity of their hearts and souls on this memorable day. Although photographs are not allowed during the sacred moment of that First Holy Communion, this slideshow will show a little of that day, the Mass, and enrollment of the Brown Scapular. May Sweet Jesus in the Holy Eucharist ever keep these young souls close to Him!
When the Lenten season sets in… it seems like time slows down; and from the intense prayers and supplications of the Church to the fasts and Stations of the Cross, it is a time when our hearts and souls reach back to touch those last few weeks with the Man of Sorrows. But when Holy Week finally arrives, time virtually stands still…and for three sacred days, eternity is practically touchable. During Holy Thursday's solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist and the long night of silent vigil; to the singing of the Passion and the Adoration of the Cross on Good Friday–we relive the sufferings of our Crucified Saviour. But when the quiet anticipation and blazing glory of the Holy Saturday Vigil Mass give way to the triumphant splendor of Easter Sunday…it seems that the liturgy, choir, organ…even the lilies –seem to trumpet the praise of Our Risen Saviour! What joy to know that He has conquered…and peace to know that He has promised to be with us always! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! (Music recorded during Easter Mass in IHM Chapel.)
What was for a long time a thickly wooded knoll along the shores of Lake Ashuelot, is now being slowly transformed into the most important building of Montfort Retreat Center! Eight 7,000 lb. trusses of hand-hewn red pine, were lifted and secured into place early in March – and the rustically glorious structure of the Chapel is quickly becoming evident. After Easter a group of the IHM Altar Boys took a trip north with the Brothers to check out the project and the ongoing progress of the Washington property. One thing is for sure: With God all things are possible!
Irish eyes were definitely smiling here at SBC during the weekend of March 15th and 16th… but that wasn't all! There was a wealth of Irish spirit to be found at the Annual Saint Patrick's Day Talent Night, where Saint Agnes Hall resounded with a variety of song, dance and Irish entertainment! Then of course there was the float to be assembled for the big parade! Of course the climax is always seeing Saint Patrick himself, amid the glittering green and gold of the float as it makes it way through the crowded streets of South Boston, accompanied by the musical performances of IHM Band! May Saint Patrick truly bless us!
Thanks to the Brothers' expertise in snow-removal…and determination to make progress…the development of Montfort Retreat has continued over the past wintry months! The deck of the Lodge is presently being put down, the chimney is well underway, and indoor framing has begun. The bath house is closed in, except for the screening… and a little further away another building, the Chapel, is also taking shape. The floor has been put down and the huge, hand-hewn trusses that will top the stone pillars are being assembled. Take a look at the progress… its almost as exciting as visiting on skis! Ask the Sisters!
Here at IHM School we don't just stand for the Pro-Life movement…we March for it! Thanks to generous donors and alot of hard work, a bus of
students, chaperones and Brothers traveled to the March for Life in Washington DC on January 22nd to take part in the 35th protest march against the
Roe vs. Wade decision. Hundreds of thousands of Pro-Lifers from across the country and beyond joined in the March up Constitution Avenue to the Supreme
Court. Along the way, IHM students and faculty passed out 10,000 copies of the latest issue of "The Point." Four sisters, who had arrived
two days earlier to attend the March for Life Convention, met up with members of the IHM group and many friends during the March. It may have been a cold, gray day in D.C. –
but it was a bright ray of hope and promise for America!
Read the issue of The Point that was passed out at the March for Life! See more on the IHM Pro-Life League!
Anyone who has ever experienced Christmas here in Still River knows that there is no place on earth like it. From the exquisitely decorated Chapel to the snow-covered manger nestled on the hill in front; from the music and majesty of Midnight Mass and all through the festive Octave – it is a time and place of awesome peace and simplicity. The Prince of Peace has blessed us once more with a beautiful Christmas… and for all those unable to come and experience it themselves – we hope that through this slideshow you enjoy a little of the joy and peace that only our Infant Saviour can bring! Have a happy and holy New Year!
Its definitely a festive time of year…and IHM School knows just how to show some Christmas spirit! It all began with a visit from a very special guest on December 6th – the feast of Saint Nicholas; then after weeks of practicing (and with a couple of snow-days mixed in– just for fun) it was finally time for the December 15th performance of IHM's Program of pageant, caroling and concert, which was enjoyed by all. Finally, the last day of school found students in Christmas colors, bearing gifts for one another and bringing lots of festive fun and cheer to their class Christmas parties. Enjoy a few of these memories in this slideshow… and enjoy the rest of Christmas Break! Christus natus est!
The fall sped by in Washington NH, and all too soon the colorful foliage had given way to low temperatures and a seasonable snowfall. But no blizzard will affect the buildings of the Retreat Center this year thanks to the hard work and tremendous progress of the Brothers and volunteers. The latest building, the bathhouse is nearing completion along with the set up for plumbing and electricity. There's lots to see! But unless you have a snowmobile and are ready for an adventurous ride to Washington NH…check out the progress right here on the web!
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