Over two hundred and seventy people attend the Liturgy of Thanksgiving at Mount Alvernia in Wappingers Falls NY to mark the 50 ^thAnniversary of the Retreat Center on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at 2:00 PM.  The Mass was celebrated in the Chapel and followed by an outdoor reception.  Friar Robert Campaga, OFM, Minister Provincial, was the main celebrant in a Mass concelebrated by many visiting friars, religious and diocesan priests. Friar Thomas Garone, OFM, Guardian, and Friar Francis Walter, OFM, Director of Retreats, assisted Friar Robert as principal concelebrants. Friar Orlando Ruiz, OFM, Pastor of Our Lady of Peace Church in Brooklyn, served as Master of Ceremonies. In attendance also were many men and women religious, including the local Poor Clares as well as Buddhist monks.

The homily was given by Friar Romano Almagno, OFM, who organized the celebration. Friar Romano spoke of the history of Mt. Alvernia, named for Mount LaVerna in Italy, where St. Francis of Assisi received the Stigmata. After fifty years, Mount Alvernia continues to be a source of refuge and strength, a place of healing, mercy, and reconciliation.  Congratulations.  

Much more news on this celebration can be viewed in our September Newsletter.