Pastor's Corner

Miramar Retreat Center Closing the end of June

04-24-2022Pastor's CornerRev. Robert J. Deehan, V.F.

You may have heard recently the sad news that Miramar Retreat Center here in Duxbury will close at the end of June. It has been a tremendous spiritual oasis for thousands of people from near and far for nearly 75 years. The Divine Word Missionaries (SVDs), a Catholic religious order of missionary priests and brothers, have staffed the Center from the beginning, and have generously welcomed people of all faiths for times of prayer, reflection, renewal and spiritual direction, as well as to enjoy the Center’s beautiful grounds.

The staff, both religious and lay, have always offered wonderful hospitality making Miramar a warm and caring refuge from the often frenzied pace of life that many face today. Here at Holy Family, over the years, we have benefited from the regular priestly assistance of SVD fathers from Miramar such as Fr. Bill Kane, Fr. George Bergin and Fr. Joe Connolly among others. The departure of this special religious community will be a great loss.

The current Director of Miramar, Fr. Mark Schramm, explains that between a difficulty trying to staff the Center with SVDs going forward as well as financial challenges, the Divine Word Missionary provincial leadership had to make this hard decision. It is still to be determined what will happen to the property. There are options being considered to try to keep the spiritual mission of the center going in some way. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the decision making process that will determine the future of this truly unique and valued resource in our community.

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