Mt. Irenaeus Hosts Holy Name Province Leaders

On May 23, the Provincial Council of Holy Name Province and Fr. Kevin Mullen, OFM, provincial minister, visited Mt. Irenaeus. For some of these friars, it was their first experience at the Mountain. 

Br. Kevin Kriso described their visit and said it gave them "a chance to experience the “eremitical” form of Franciscan life that is the Gospel Manner of Life and Ministry of Mt. Irenaeus."

This form of life combines moments of action and then contemplative retreating to a wooded place to pray and ponder before heading back out to active ministry again. Far from being a new style of Franciscan life, the eremitical form of life was practiced by St. Francis of Assisi and the early brothers, but is much less common today.

"Our brothers on our Provincial Council had the chance to experience a small taste of our life before going back into the active world of meetings and planning," said Br. Kevin.

Fr. Mullen also shared his impression of Mt. Irenaeus and its important ministry.

"The Provincial Council of Holy Name Province joined the friar community and some lay volunteers at Mt. Irenaeus for a most enjoyable evening that included prayer, conversation, and a great meal. Over the years, the community of Mt. Irenaeus has been known for the warm welcome that is extended to all visitors. We received such a welcome and as a result gained a better appreciation for why so many people love the setting and value the ministry of the community."