Moments in the History of Bethlehem Retreat Centre

Lead story

Moments in the History of Bethlehem Retreat Centre

Bonnie Loehr from "Reflections of Bethlehem Retreat Centre 1987 – 2012"

Volume 28  Issue 10, 11 & 12 | Posted: December 29, 2014

  • In the beginning, the House of Bread Monastery was located on Killarney Street in Nanaimo, B.C.
  • Early 1987, the Diocese of Victoria approached the Benedictine Sisters and asked if they would run a larger retreat centre if the Diocese purchased the property. The Sisters agree and in February 1987 lease the facility from the Diocese.
  • In April 1987 Bethlehem Retreat Centre is opened for business.
  • From the very beginning, people of all faiths were included and welcomed at the Centre.
  • In 1988, after renovations to the main building, Capernaum with eighteen rooms was built.
  • December 1989 the new chapel was opened with Mass on Christmas Eve.
    • In the beginning, the House of Bread Monastery was located on Killarney Street in Nanaimo, B.C.
    • Early 1987, the Diocese of Victoria approached the Benedictine Sisters and asked if they would run a larger retreat centre if the Diocese purchased the property. The Sisters agree and in February 1987 lease the facility from the Diocese.
    • In April 1987 Bethlehem Retreat Centre is opened for business.
    • From the very beginning, people of all faiths were included and welcomed at the Centre.
    • In 1988, after renovations to the main building, Capernaum with eighteen rooms was built.
    • December 1989 the new chapel was opened with Mass on Christmas Eve.
    • In 1991 Bishop De Roo appointed the Centre's first chaplain, Father Kevin Wiseman.  In 1998 the labyrinth, patterned after that near the Cathedral at Chartres, France, was built beside Nazareth.  
    • Nazareth, an empty house, was turned into additional space for retreatants about the same time.
    • The Peace Pole was added beside the Labyrinth in the spring of 1999.
    • In January 2001, due to financial problems in the Diocese, Bethlehem Retreat Centre had to be sold.
    • On April 9, 2001, the Benedictine Sisters signed a contract to purchase the property from the Diocese.
    • On December 1, 2001, the purchase of the main portion of the Retreat Centre was concluded. 
    • In October 2002 the purchase of the Nazareth property was purchased
    • 2003 Directorship moved from Sr. Jill to Sr. Mary Ann.
    • 2004 Shepherd Hall was built.
    • From the beginning there have always been many dedicated volunteers involved in the Centre.

   

Bonnie Loehr from "Reflections of Bethlehem Retreat Centre 1987 – 2012"