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.
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- 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"