Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center provides a setting to serve those searching for God: people of Catholic parishes, participants of programs of the Diocese of Venice, and people of Christian faith searching for spiritual help and growth.  It provides a place of peace and beauty, where one can develop a closer relationship with God.

The Center operates under the guidance of the Bishop of Venice, in collaboration with the leadership of the Center, the staff, advisory board, volunteers, and supporters, modeling Christ’s teachings of service and hospitality to others.

Shortly after the establishment of the Diocese of Venice, Bishop John J. Nevins asked Father Charles Mallen, C.Ss.R. (pictured right) to begin the process of promoting the development of a retreat center for the young diocese.  The groundbreaking ceremony took place in January 1995 and eight months later Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center became a reality.  A conference center and two villas were the first buildings completed. In a short span of five years the two villas increased to four, a dining center and chapel were added to complete phase one of the master plan.

In addition to the seven buildings on-site, retreatants have the opportunity to spend time enjoying the beautiful grounds which include the Way of the Cross, the Rosary Walk and the prayer decks located along the river bank.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center is blessed with a dedicated staff and a committed corps of volunteers.  They help to keep the center alive and have served from the beginning.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center stands as a living testimony to what can be done when God's will becomes a reality.  A wise man once remarked that “a difficulty is a miracle in its first stage.”
 

Click below to read Fr. Charlie's homily at the dedication of OLPH on January 28, 1996.

Jan. 28, 1996 homily