Franciscan Hermitage

St. Francis and Alverna Heights

Reminiscent of the Umbrian hills where Saints Francis and Clare once contemplated the beauty of God, the Franciscan Hermitage of the Sisters of St. Francis is nestled in the hills of Fayetteville, New York. This place has been set apart by the sisters of Saint Francis for the contemplation of God. Here God’s grandeur calls to the contemplative within and enhances the desire for solitude.

In addition to the woodland and hills, the area has miles of walking (cross country skiing) trails. There is a meditation walk through the woods with a pond at the end of one of the trails. There is also an outdoor pool for summer use. The property is a wildlife sanctuary with a wide variety of birds and animals that share God’s goodness with us.

Lay persons, vowed religious and priests have found spiritual renewal by joining the rhythm of the Hermitage lifestyle on days of prayer, a week of solitude or one of our Franciscan Solitude weekends. This Hermitage is available to the Franciscan Family.

All are Welcome!

Within each of us is the voice that calls us to being in the goodness of God!

Saint Francis’ Document on Solitude

In the brief Document on Solitude, Saint Francis outlined a way of life for hermits within the Franciscan Order. This simple document is unique in its provision for fraternity and solitude.

Francis’ followers were to live a community life in the hermitages. The document prescribes that Liturgy and meals were to be in common.

The character of the document reveals Francis’ intention that each hermit be free to follow the Holy Spirit as supreme, in the life of contemplation.

A prayer shelter behind the hermitage and small huts in the woods allow for prayer in a natural setting.

The building provides both private rooms for complete solitude and common areas for the sharing of prayer, Eucharist, and meals.