Marygrove presents ‘The gift of Henri Nouwen’
1/15/2010

By Vickie Fee

Imagine a wooded locale overlooking a scenic bay where you can find peace and quiet — and actually have a few minutes alone to just be in God’s presence. Is it a dream? Maybe. But, this very real dream can be experienced at Marygrove Retreat Center, a ministry provided by the Diocese of Marquette.

Located 17 miles west of Manistique and 35 miles east of Escanaba on M-183, Marygrove has been offering retreats since its dedication in 1948. Opportunities include silent directed retreats, couple retreats and special interest retreats. In March, Marygrove will offer a youth encounter and also provides very well-attended family retreats during the summer months. Additionally, about 50 parishes throughout the diocese participate in the dozen or so Parish Pilgrimage Retreats offered annually.

New to the roster this year is a retreat titled “Quieting the Restless Heart,” which will be held February 5-7. This retreat is based on the writings of Catholic priest Henri Nouwen. His first spiritual guide, “With Open Hands — Pray to Live,” was published in 1972, the first of 40 books he authored before his death in 1996.

Father Jamie Ziminski, who has been Marygrove retreat director for the past five years while still serving as a parish priest, said he believes the Henri Nouwen encounter will really connect with retreat participants.

“I’ve recognized over the years at Marygrove that Father Nouwen’s writings are very popular and helpful to people — they’ve been helpful to me in my own spiritual reflection,” said Father Ziminiski. “His writing is clear and direct, yet warm and inviting. He makes himself so accessible.”

Retreat reservations may be made online at www.marygrove.org or by calling the center at 906-644-2771. Some openings are still available for the Nouwen retreat. The suggested offering for a weekend retreat is $105 for an individual or $175 for a married couple. Six-day directed retreats are $210 per individual. Installment payments can be arranged.

Marygrove’s ministry is to provide a rich variety of retreat experiences, offering individuals a quiet place away from the distractions of their busy lives.

“I’d say if a Catholic’s life has been going along for awhile with nothing new to excite, challenge or encourage them, a retreat can help them deepen their faith in a way that doesn’t happen anywhere else,” Father Ziminski said.

Parishioners in the Upper Peninsula who have not visited Marygrove in a few years will notice some changes, including a $100,000 renovation of guest rooms over the past year and the addition of a handicapped-accessible room and bathroom. Retreat-goers will also note the addition of several icon paintings that have been permanently imbedded into the walls.

Father Ziminski believes the icons are a key addition to the facilities. “I didn’t want the renovations to just look like a nicely decorated hotel, but to reflect Marygrove’s character as a Catholic retreat house.”

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