WHAT A WEEK THIS WAS!

August 14, 2024

This was quite a week at Malvern Retreat House! Beginning on Friday August 2, 2024 and continuing through the weekend of August 9^th, Malvern Retreat House was a hive of activity. Close to 1,000 people visited our campus to retreat from the noise and hear God’s voice.

Healing Retreat Weekend

The week began with over 300 retreatants coming to our August Healing Retreat. Malvern Retreat House Rector, Fr. Doug McKay, was joined by Kathleen McCarthy and Fr. James Blount, SOLT for this powerful retreat weekend. People traveled from over 20 states across the country, including as far away as Hawaii, Texas, and California to experience the peace, solace and healing found at Malvern Retreat House. The Rodriguez Family traveled from Texas to participate in this retreat. Mrs. Rodriguez reported that her office flooded just last week and so with the unexpected time off, she and her husband were able to come to Malvern with their three children for the weekend! There was also a family of 17 that rented a bus to bring them from Connecticut.  

Retreatants Traveled Far and Wide to Malvern

Monica Cobb Adams and Ruth Cabrinha traveled from St. Anthony of Padua parish in Kailua, HI for our healing weekend. Ms. Cobb-Adams noted that she found out about the retreat only days prior and was able to reserve rooms and book a flight to join Fr. McKay, Kathleen McCarthy, and Fr. Blount! Monica and her mother, Ruth, were amazed with the beauty of Malvern, which is saying something for a resident of the Aloha State! While walking across the Malvern campus, they asked, “What’s that sound?”  It was the cicadas, which are so prevalent in our area, but not native to Hawaii!

Rachel Hamilton, Kathleen Raymundo and Joseph Morell, friends from Franciscan University of Steubenville reunited at Malvern over the weekend. They had all been to our campus before but were happy for the chance to return.

Over the weekend many new friendships were made. Mary Beth Kakos, Ellen Levanti and Kathleen Shovlin met and enjoyed the weekend together. They reported having an incredible and powerful experience at Malvern and are already planning to return to “St. Joseph in the Hills.”

First Saturday

Mission Love and Life hosted its monthly First Saturday Devotion in the Bl. Carlo Acutis Shrine. Dozens of young people from throughout the region came to Malvern for Mass and fellowship. Mission Love and Life hosts youth programs on Tuesday at Malvern, as well.

Mission Love and Life’s Missionary Discipleship Program is a transformative initiative designed to empower and educate middle and high school students to become passionate advocates for pro-life values. 

The Good Shepherd Perpetual Adoration Chapel at the Bl. Carlo Acutis Shrine

Our Healing Retreat was only the start of an incredible week at Malvern Retreat House. On Monday, Bishop Efren Esmilla presided at Mass and over the dedication of the new Good Shepherd Adoration Chapel at the Carlo Acutis Shrine. Guests gathered in the shrine for Mass and the dedication which was followed by a social in the Dining Room.

Catholic Youth Healing Mass

On Tuesday, Fr. Blount, SOLT, celebrated Mass with almost 140 young Catholics under the age of 23! This special youth Mass was held in the Shrine to Bl. Carlo Acutis. The Mass included a healing service and blessing for the youth.

Annual Awards Dinner

The buzz at Malvern continued on August 8, with the Annual Awards Dinner. At this yearly event, Malvern recognizes staff, volunteers and friends of Malvern who have made a particular impact on our retreat community. Over 40 individuals were honored for their selfless gifts to Malvern Retreat House.

“This is one of my favorite events of the year, because we honor those who give so much to Malvern.” said Michael Norton, President at Malvern Retreat House.

Retrouvaille

Twenty couples came to Malvern Retreat House for a Retrouvaille Marriage Retreat. For many couples, this retreat is the last hope for reconciliation. Countless couples and families have been spared the devastation of divorce and found healing and peace through Retrouvaille. Malvern is honored to host several retreats for this incredible organization throughout the year.

That Was the Week That Was

Wow! This was an incredible week! Nearly 1,000 men, women, young adults, and Catholic youth found healing, comfort and peace at Malvern through retreats, Mass, adoration, the Sacrament of Penance, prayer and community. 

Check out upcoming events and programs by visiting our website here.