Catholic Mission In Canada

St. Mary’s Place of Solitude and Prayer, in the Codroy Valley in southwestern Newfoundland, recently had extensive upgrading done on its residential buildings, thanks to the generosity of Catholic Missions In Canada. This work has made the buildings fully winterized.

The history of St. Mary’s goes back to 1958 when Margaret MacKinnon willed her family property to the Diocese of St. George’s (now the Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador) to establish a monastic presence. In 1990, to honour her desire, St. Mary’s was established.  

St. Mary’s recognizes the need for contemplative and spiritual reflection in the lives of all persons.

Two guest hermitages are available year-round for individuals, couples, and all who seek to listen to the heart in solitude and reflection in this peaceful and aesthetically beautiful setting. There are no community activities at St. Mary’s. If, however, a guest would wish to have some spiritual reflection, counseling, or a directed retreat with one of the hermits, this may be arranged. On the property, Sheila O’Handley and Nick O’Keeffe live the hermit life, supporting themselves through weaving, pottery and gardening.

To book one of the guest hermitages, write to Sheila O’Handley at Box 145, RR#1, Doyles, NL, A0N 1J0, or call (709) 955-2150.

Nick O’Keeffe is one of two hermits living a life of prayer at St. Mary’s Place of Solitude in Codroy Valley, Newfoundland and Labrador.