After six decades, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton celebrated their last Mass.
In the small library of the St. Francis Retreat House, located near the main entrance, sits hundreds of books on the Catholic faith and Franciscan spirituality. Each book is unique, but some more than others.
Certain books contain letters about spiritual experiences from former high school retreatants; all these letters are messages to encourage those who entered into retreat at the center to open themselves up to the Holy Spirit. This is one of the many traditions that lived within the walls of St. Francis Retreat House.
After nearly 63 years, St. Francis Retreat House has closed its doors for the last time.
Opened in 1961, the retreat house nestled in Bethlehem Township, served retreatants of the Diocese of Allentown and many other neighboring dioceses, and provided numerous other programs including Alcoholics Anonymous.
The retreat house, run by members of the Order of Franciscan Minors (OFMs), commonly known as the Franciscans, held their last public Mass in the chapel on Sunday, Oct. 6 at 10 a.m.
“It’s a mixture of sadness and joy, of doubt and faith, of despair and hope. I believe that transitions might be painful, but it moves us to a new beginning, and I pray that the new beginning that awaits us will be filled with goodness and peace and joy,” said Father Charlie Smiech, O.F.M., celebrant of the last Mass.
The Mass, which was standing room only, was attended by members of the Diocese of Allentown, retreatants, and volunteers – many of whom had been a part of the community at St. Francis Retreat House over the last six decades. Additionally, Friars from various provinces from across the country attended or concelebrated the Mass.
“I can only think of the people who built this place back in the late ’50s, so the doors could open and welcome in wonderful people, like yourselves,” said Father Smiech addressing those in attendance. “And we remember all those people throughout the years that developed programming in this place for people’s enrichment in the field of spirituality. So here we see a lot of the hard work being done. We see them in our history book of this place.”
Over the years, many volunteers have contributed to keeping the center running along with the staff on premise. Along with volunteers, members of the OFMs of the Province of our Lady of Guadalupe lived on the premises to assist in all things required at the retreat center. People from various walks and religions walked the halls of the retreat house to find God’s Word during its tenure, and it was apparent at the last Mass how many individuals were still being moved by the center.
“The other day, I was walking on the grounds and a woman came up to me and said, ‘Now that this place is closing, Father, I have no place to worship.’ I told her ‘God will direct you. He will take you by the hand and He will lead you to the place you need to worship,’” said Father Smiech during his homily, as he encouraged those in attendance to not be afraid of what comes next.
As the Mass progressed, those in the congregation looked to those in the pews with them for comfort. Many cried knowing this would be the last time they would come to celebrate Mass together in that space.
“How good it is, O Lord, that so many people have built your house during the Sabbath to glorify you, praise you, and to thank you for the countless blessings that this place has given,” Fr. Charlie said as he prepared for the final blessing. As he dismissed the Mass, Father Smiech got emotional stating “I never wanted to make this statement [for the last time here] but go proclaim the Gospel to all you who meet.”
The Tabernacle was emptied for the last time and all in attendance were invited to the cafeteria for fellowship, brunch, and to break bread together. The grounds were open for the remainder of the day for those who wanted to say goodbye.
By Jennifer Russell
