By Br. Loren Connell, OFM 

On Sunday, October 6, a crisp and beautiful fall morning in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley marked a day of praise and gratitude, reflection and bittersweet farewells. After 65 years of offering spiritual guidance and peace, St Francis Retreat House in Easton, Pennsylvania was closing. Many gathered for a Thanksgiving Mass and brunch. This cherished sanctuary, first sponsored by the Vice Province of the Holy Savior, then supported by the former Province of Saint John the Baptist, and later by the former Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, had become a place of profound connection and faith for many.  

More than 200 retreatants, friends, benefactors and volunteers packed the chapel for our final Mass. Brothers Ed Skutka, OFM, Chris Keenan, OFM, Kevin McGoff, OFM, and Tom Cole, OFM, came from Butler, New Jersey; Br. Michael Radomski, OFM, came from Berkley, Michigan; and Provincial Councilor Br. Ed Tlucek, OFM, came from Cincinnati. Poor health prevented Brothers Mike Lenz, OFM, Ed Demyanovich, OFM, Mark Ligett, OFM and Pat McCloskey, OFM, from participating. Br. Charlie Smiech, OFM, presided at the Mass, with Br. Loren Connell, OFM, and Br. Ed Tlucek, OFM, co-celebrating. Our regular Sunday musicians were supplemented with brass accompaniment.   

Afterward, our magnificent retreat house kitchen staff prepared and served brunch to all our guests. For thousands of people whose lives were touched by 65 years of grace, tears were shed, friends embraced, and God was praised.

A friar standing in the pews of a crowded church lifts his hand to acknowledge the people around him, who are clapping for him.

Br. Ed Skutka served at St. Francis Retreat House for 53 years – always ready with a cup of coffee, a clean dish and a corny joke. (Photo courtesy of Br. Tom Cole)

A friar wearing a green stole over his brown habit speak from a lectern.

Br. Loren Connell served as one of the concelebrants. (Photo courtesy of Br. Tom Cole)

Parishioners share the sign of peace in the retreat house's church. The church is full

The faithful share the Sign of Peace during the Mass. (Photo courtesy of Br. Tom Cole)