All nine hermitages are separate “earth homes” with one exception. All were assigned a unique name when built. Seven hermitages were fully renovated in recent years and are currently available.
River Views
High above the Mississippi river are three hermitages facing the river: Emmaus, Tree of Life, and Glimpse of Glory. These were the first to be built and are smaller. All three have the same layout, furnishings and river views.
With no development directly across the river, the changing views captivate. Barges glide along at all hours. An active single track rail line sits at the bottom of the bluff below.
Wooded Views
Hermitages built into a bluff facing into the woods include: Holy Trinity, Beautiful Earth, Jesus is Lord and Upper Room (above it). Each offers quiet, private views of deep and wooded ravines. Deer and wild turkeys move about. Seasonal colors mesmerize.
The Hermitages are Furnished for Comfort, Solitude, and Contemplation
Each hermitage has a simple layout with comfortable furnishings offering privacy and solitude. A single bed, desk and chair, rocking chair and bench shape the space. The private shower, toilet and vanity are curtained off. A kitchen corner offers a place to prepare one’s meals. Each hermitage also has scripturally based artwork selected to help guests enter into meditation and focused prayer during their visit.
Places for Contemplation and Prayer Outside the Hermitages
The large Crucifix above the river beckons at all times as do small sculpture along the paths and inside the Chapel and library.
The Chapel Crucifix
The corpus on the Crucifix in the Chapel is made from 600-year-old olive wood from the Holy Land.
