In 1852 four members of the Passionist Congregation traveled from Italy to Pittsburgh at the invitation of Bishop Michael O’Connor. Though they knew no English, these men carried the seeds of their community to the rich soil of the New World. Within two years, this monastery was dedicated in honor of their founder, St. Paul of the Cross, and it remains a landmark on Pittsburgh’s South Side.
From the earliest days, St. Paul wanted his men to share their charism and spiritual gifts with others by giving retreats. He ordered that several rooms be set aside in each Passionist house for clergy or lay people to come for spiritual refreshment. He had even envisioned a separate building for such retreats right next to the monastery, but this vision was not fulfilled in his lifetime.
The Pittsburgh Passionists invited people to spend time with them at the monastery right from the beginning. As the retreat movement grew, it became more clear that a separate building was needed to take care of the many requests which were received. The original wing of the retreat house was dedicated in 1920 by Bishop Regis Canevin, and on January 7-10, 1921, a group of 17 laymen made the first retreat. By 1955 this spiritual center was bursting at the seams, and a new wing was completed in 1961.
Today, St. Paul Retreat Center is a dynamic oasis of spiritual renewal in the greater Pittsburgh area. St. Paul Retreat Center The variety of programs and the staff which conducts them has grown tremendously. The people who come here share in a rich tradition of prayer, fellowship and hospitality, for this is truly holy ground. We are delighted to serve you and your group!
St. Paul Retreat Center is in Pittsburgh, PA
Visit St. Paul Retreat Center: http://www.stpaulofthecrossmonastery.com/
