VILLA MARIA, Pa. — The Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center in Villa Maria, Pa., just a short distance from the Ohio border, opens its doors for a variety of programs and events for children and adults.

In recent weeks, the summer Grow Camp has taken place for more than 50 children from Ohio and Pennsylvania while many adults attend weekend retreats from churches, colleges and organizations.

Sister Jane Marie Kudlacz, HM, president / CEO of Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, said the center provides a unique setting and space for various groups and individuals to grow spiritually, to heal and to experience peace.

Kudlacz said the center sponsors programs for the public, such as retreats that can be a day or weekend on a variety of topics. She said space also is provided for youth groups, church groups and colleges such as Kent State, Garrison and Notre Dame, for hosting events, often using the conference center and staying overnight.

“There are programs and events offered year round. There are groups who come twice a year. Some are local groups and others from other states,” she said.

Kudlacz said the center’s programs include gatherings to discuss prayer, healing and social justice. She said the “Coffee and Contemplation” series is always well attended.

Since the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, many programs were virtual and later a hybrid of in-person and online.

“The center’s different facilities are available to our guests. Many groups have come back since COVID,” she said, noting all religious denominations are welcome.

Kudlacz said many people visit the labyrinth for guided labyrinth walks from May through October and also the nearby pond for relaxing and a wooded area with a walking path.

She said a popular event is the Renova Music Festival in the summer that brings many families to the center. The many musicians from more than 20 states stay at the center and perform concerts as part of the festival,

Kudlacz said the mission of the center is to “provide and promote educational and spiritual experiences in a unique setting for people of all ages, faiths and economic status.”

CHANGES

Kudlacz, who is a retired Cardinal Mooney High School principal, said the center used to be Villa Maria High School, which opened in 1921 and closed in 1989.

The former classroom building was turned into a center that includes a gymnasium and now more than 40 private bedrooms.

Kudlacz said renovation work has been done on various buildings, including the activity center, over the years. The Potier Center has two floors with a reading room and gathering space for meetings and retreats.

Sister Jean Orsuto, HM, who recently retired from the Emmanuel Care Center in Girard, said the center “is such a special place” for many people.

Orsuto said the large property includes a cemetery, assisted living, walking paths and a certified organic farm, which was established in the 1830s.

“The farm is spectacular. Everyone loves to visit the blueberry field,” Orsuto said, noting the farm is all fruit and vegetables, but years ago did include animals.

The public can spend time picking blueberries and also purchase vegetables.

John Moreira, director of land management, said the public can call ahead to come to the farm for picking blueberries or stop at the market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. For information, call 724-964-8920.

BEGINNINGS

Sister Joanne Gardner, HM, director of communications and archives, said the rich history of Villa Maria is showcased in displays throughout the building.

Kylene Kamensky, communications coordinator for the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, said the religious order is a “community of Roman Catholic consecrated women who bring more abundant life to people through ministry, prayer and the witness of their lives.”

The HM Community was founded in France in 1854 by Marie-Antoinette Potier, who petitioned to have their growing community recognized by the local bishop as a religious community in 1858.

In May 1864, Bishop Amadeus Rappe of Cleveland invited the sisters to the United States to serve French immigrants in his diocese.

Under the leadership of Mother Amma Tabourat, the American foundress, the community grew, building schools and hospitals, serving parishes and reaching out to meet the needs of people who were poor and neglected.

Kamensky said retired sisters reside at Villa Maria Community Center, which is the Pennsylvania motherhouse campus and remains the center of community life.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com