Hermitages

Designed in the tradition of Franciscan values, these hermitages are quiet places where the routine of everyday life, its hectic pace and insistent demands, can be hedged out to pay attention to the inner urgings of heart and soul.

Franciscan Hermitage Values

Simplicity

True simplicity consists not in the use of particular forms or formats, but in foregoing over indulgence, in maintaining humility of spirit, and keeping material surrounding of our lives directly serviceable to necessary ends.

In accord with this value of simplicity the dwellings are simply furnished. As such and to aid in prayer they should remain rather tidy and clutter free both inside and out. The hermit’s meals are meant to sustain and nourish, not be a distraction. You may wish to consider simple in season foods, cooking just enough to satisfy your needs.

Solitude

The hermitage is a place for contemplation not recluse. It is a sacred space for solitude and not business.

In the spirit of solitude, our hermitages are designed for one person at a time, there is not meant to be any visiting in the hermitages. St. Francis, by his example encouraged another person to wait at the entrance and guard the hermitage from distractions.

Nature

Our Franciscan ecological spirit permeates the fifty-five acres of Saint Francis Woods.

Nature’s rhythm from sun up to sun down sets the tone for the ordinary tasks of the day. Although certain basic comforts are available such as heating in the winter and fans or air conditioning in the sultry summer hours, you will be reminded by Mother Nature of a certain aesthetic and ascetic acceptance of the weather: hot or cold, wet or dry. To feel Sister Wind in the cool evening breeze of a hot summer day across one’s body is refreshment that air conditioning can never quite match. There are a few security lights along the main pathway but not to interfere with Sister Moon and stars. We ask that you use the main pathway only to unload your supplies and then return your car to one of the designated parking areas.

Silence

Ordinarily silence is observed in and around the hermitage so that one can hear the voice of the Beloved even in the small quiet breeze.

During the hermitage stay a San Damiano cross is mounted outside as a sign that this sacred space is in use. It is a reminder for all who see it to pray for the guest and respect the quiet. With the value of silence in mind and because the houses are considered sacred ground, we ask the hermits remove their shoes while inside.

Eucharist

Although the emphasis of the hermitage experience falls ultimately upon silence and solitude, Saint Francis Woods is nonetheless centered around a community of religious living in the spirit of Saint Francis.

You are welcome to share in the principal gathering of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart. The Liturgy of the Eucharist is central and celebrated at 9:30am Tuesday-Sunday in the Queen of Angels Chapel at the Motherhouse.

There are two additional chapels on the campus for private reflection.

The Heritage Chapel was built in 1876 in Avilla, Indiana, this structure was a welcome site for our religious congregation early in our American history. It was later transplanted here to its current location. Its tin walls and furnishings have been restored to hold sacred those early days and as a tribute to our founding Sisters and ideals. is located on the east side of the grounds. This chapel is unlocked from 7am to 1pm, weather permitting.

In the Portiuncula, the Blessed Sacrament is kept in our Roman Catholic faith tradition. This lower level chapel is also used at various times by the groups hosted in the Portiuncula and may not always be accessible to hermitage guests. Please check with the office for availability.

Relatedness

With Christ as our brother, all of creation is connected in a fraternal relationship as cosmic brothers and sisters. We are encouraged to live as one within the garden of life, celebrating the grace of diversity.

Desiring to respect all life, we acknowledge a variety of wildlife – raccoons, squirrels, deer, rabbits, mice, flies. Even mosquitoes are at home in the Woods. Wild and planted trees and flowers abound everywhere each season but most plentiful in the spring and summer. We try to yield to their natural habitat. Thus, we have chosen to designate our facilities as smoke free. There are several designated spots to smoke. The nearest one is just to the south of the Port, where you will find a container to dispose of your smoking materials. If in your journey you find any other trash that has blown in, would you please respect our sister, Mother Earth and dispose of it in the proper receptacles.

We have 5 total hermitages in 3 different styles.

Click below to learn what each style offers.

General Information

• Most guests choose to prepare their own meals, grocery stores are located nearby. Kitchens are supplied with coffee, tea, creamer, sugar, sugar substitute, salt, pepper, pots, pans, cooking utensils, silverware, and dishes. With advance notice, pick-up meals can be prepared by the Port chefs for an additional fee.
  
• CD players are provided along with lanterns, umbrellas, and weather radios. Cell phones can be used but no internet access is available in the hermitages. Wi-Fi and a guest computer are located in the retreat house, but might be unavailable due to group use.
  
• All linens are provided including sheets, pillow cases, blankets, comforters, towels and wash cloths.
• First time guests must coordinate their arrival time with staff in order to receive a brief in person orientation upon arrival. 
• $25 non-refundable deposit secures your reservation, payment options will be included with your formal reservation confirmation. Any balance is due upon arrival.
  

Comments From Some of Our Guests