Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Osborne.
Hi Heidi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center sits on 68 beautiful & holy acres in Fremont, Ohio, about 30 minutes south of Lake Erie. The original structure on the property was a private family home, built in the style of French Second Empire architecture. When the Sisters of Mercy purchased the property in 1925, they kept the original structure as well as completing necessary and additional construction; the facility originally opened as the Sisters of Mercy Novitiate and in later years become the Mother of Mercy Academy for Girls. In 1943 a fire destroyed the third floor of the building, and it was never rebuilt.
The Sisters of Mercy officially established Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center in 1962. Retreat and renewal programs have been available since that time with new and innovative programs being added. Anyone who seeks the experience of opening themselves to God in quiet through prayer and reflection will find it here in this sacred space. Our Lady of the Pines is “holy ground” where men and women of all races and creeds are welcomed into an atmosphere conducive to holistic growth and integration. The Center operates year-round and accommodates retreatants from all over North America.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life would not be interesting if all roads were paved, straight, and easy to travel. Every day is something different here, and that is part of the reason I love coming to ‘work’ each day. I began as the Executive Director of “The Pines” (as it is commonly known) in August 2019. Shortly after, life as everyone knew it came to a screeching halt as the Coronavirus swept across the globe. The Pines closed for three months, wondering what our ministry might look like upon reopening. But we have bounced back stronger than ever; more now than ever before, people are searching for places of peace and quiet to make sense of the chaos of life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center?
The Sisters of Mercy officially established Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center in 1962. Retreat and renewal programs have been available since that time with new and innovative programs being added. Anyone who seeks the experience of opening themselves to the divine in quiet through prayer and reflection will find it here in this sacred space. Our Lady of the Pines is “holy ground” where men and women of all races and creeds are welcomed into an atmosphere conducive to holistic growth and integration. The Center operates year-round and accommodates retreatants from all over North & South America.
There are also two hermitage cabins on the property for single occupancy; these are reserved year-round by individuals who are seeking a self-directed retreat. Each cabin has a kitchenette, twin bed, full bath, sitting area, front porch, heating, and air conditioning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pinesretreat.org
- Instagram: pinesretreatcenter
- Facebook: Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center
Image Credits
Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center staff
