I would like to offer my support as Archbishop of Denver to this effort, as it has the potential to bear great spiritual fruit in the lives of many of the faithful and clergy in our archdiocese and beyond. Thank you for any support you can provide this worthy apostolate.
Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila, S.T.L.
"Priests need Poustinia prayer."
Monsignor Michael Glenn - Former Rector of St. John Vianney Theological Seminary
In memory of Monsignor Michael Glenn, who celebrated mass at the retreat center site and blessed the property the day after we purchased this land in 2017, and who has provided constant support for this mission.
Fr. John Nepil, Vice-Rector and Professor of Dogmatic Theology at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary
"In the early Church, Christians left the world to encounter God in the desert. In every age, they have done the same, seeking the voice of Christ in the silence of a hermitage, known to the Russians as 'poustinia.' Amidst the seas of our technocratic, post-Christian society, we need more than ever, islands of contemplation to facilitate a lived experience of the person of Jesus Christ. In this respect, there is no more important initiative in our local church than the foundation of Patris Corde Hermitage."
Fr. Brady Wagner, Director of the Spirituality Year at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary
"Working in seminary formation, I am increasingly convinced that without a continual commitment to a life of prayer, no priest’s life will be fruitful. Jesus invites us, “Abide in me...He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit” (Jn 15:4-5). Learning to abide in Christ is a task for all Christians, but especially for priests. Patris Corde Hermitage is a profound and indispensable gift for priests to seek the Heart of Christ in quiet solitude. This mission is truly at the heart of the evangelical work of the Church."
Fr. Stephen A. Siebert, Pastor of Our Lady of Peace and St. Mary's Parishes in Summit County, CO
"Patris Corde Catholic Hermitage is a real miracle, situated between Ute Pass and the town of Parshall, Colorado. It is a one of a kind retreat center, where men and women can live a silent retreat with the intention of listening to God, and speaking to Him. It is Catholic in its foundation, with a chapel that will be built ad orientem at the center of 16 hermitages, and nestled in the middle of an aspen forest. Whether a weekend silent retreat, the eight day spiritual exercises, or even the once in a lifetime 30 day silent retreat, Patris Corde will offer the retreatant silence in the midst of beautiful Colorado backcountry. St. Joseph, pray for us!"
Fr. Daniel Ciucci, Pastor of Most Precious Blood Parish in Denver, CO
"Silence, peace, interior freedom, the intentional pursuit of God, the surrender to God’s pursuit of us, seeing God the Father through Jesus: what more can be countercultural to the chaos of this world? Patris Corde stands to be a refuge for the spiritually deprived, malnourished and overrun. If the mountains declare the glory of God, the beauty of aspen trees, wildlife and a simple Poustinia will further clarify this declaration. With the way things are in the world nowadays, perhaps it’s time to take some time out of it so as to adhere our lives to Him who has conquered the world; for, after all, He is good and the lover of mankind. "
