Saying goodbye to St. Helena's Convent, Vails Gate, New York

I was reminded today by Elizabeth Kaeton over at the "Telling Secrets" blog that today was the day that St. Helena's Convent in Vails Gate, New York, closed. She offered some wonderful reflections and pictures of that holy place, and I also wrote a bit about a retreat I had there back in July in this blog earlier this year, in July. (Click HERE to see the post.)

Below are a few more photos from that wonderful place, where I first visited in the mid-1990s when I served on the national board of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship. We met there twice a year, and did much wonderful work, and also recieved amazing hospitality from the sisters at St. Helena's.

I am sad today as I consider the closing of this wonderful place, and I offer a prayer to all those who offered and received hospitality and blessings in that holy place.

~ The Rev. Peter M. Carey

Retreat at St.Helena's Convent, Vails Gate, NY

I just spent a few days on retreat at St. Helena's Convent in Vails Gate, NY, resting, reading, and reflecting (with heavy emphasis on resting!). It was a marvelous time and a beautiful place with a lively community of sisters who truly embody the ministry of hospitality. Feeling refreshed and revitalized, I am now visiting family in Vermont and hoping that the bishops at Lambeth are also experiencing God's grace and are offering one another kindness and hospitality as well.

The Rev. Peter M. Carey

See more photos from my visit to St. Helena's HERE.