Rose Ndasi was tasked to organize a leaders’ retreat for Christ Successful Life Ministries Church with 13 attendees, and in early April she found the perfect setting. Discovering Maryville Retreat Center online, Rose arranged a tour and experienced its serene atmosphere firsthand. She was sold. Plus, Maryville’s recently updated conference rooms could facilitate her Zoom presentation. Her group was soon comfortable in the cozy lodges. At Maryville, they found they could connect with their spirituality away from the interruptions of daily life. When their retreat ended, Rose’s group carried with them a deep sense of renewal and connection, having found sanctuary in the atmosphere.
In the heart of Holly, MI, Maryville Retreat Center is experiencing a revival, rejuvenating its historic grounds and breathing new life into its surroundings. Originating as a camp in 1945, when the Felician Sisters sought to enhance the summer experiences of girls from their Detroit orphanage, it quickly evolved into something much more. In 1946, the Felician Sisters purchased 100 acres of land in Holly, MI, where they constructed cabins, dormitories, a canteen, dining hall, chaplain quarters, and caretaker and maintenance buildings, bringing Guardian Angel Summer Camp to life.
In the 1970s, the property transitioned into a retreat center and place of relaxation for Felician Sisters, who renamed it “Maryville” in honor of Blessed Mother Mary Angela. A new main building was erected in the early 1980s, featuring dining facilities, lodging, a main chapel and conference rooms, catering to the public and serving as a venue for spiritual retreats and events to accommodate individuals of all faiths.
The Vision of Maryville
Aligned with the broader vision of the Felician Sisters of North America,
Maryville Retreat Center aims to collaborate with Christ in the spiritual renewal of the world. Maryville embodies this vision by providing a holistic environment where individuals can quiet their minds, listen to their inner guidance and nurture their spirits. In recent years, Maryville has grown into a place for spiritual formation and a sanctuary for people seeking peace, guidance and communion with the divine. Tranquil surroundings, lush woodlands and rolling hills provide a serene backdrop for prayer, reflection and contemplation. Visitors come away feeling at peace, renewed and some experience transformation.
Welcoming a Wider Audience
Today, under the guidance of new executive director, Sr. Noel Marie Gabriel, a broader audience will have the opportunity to experience renewal. Recognizing the significance of retreats for corporate, family and youth audiences in finding respite from distractions, Maryville’s mission extends to those who may lack access to such sanctuaries. Sr. Noel’s vision advocates for inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can connect and f ind solace within Maryville’s embrace. Whether through prayerful contemplation in the chapel, quiet walks in the woods, or engaging conversations with fellow seekers, Maryville invites all to experience the transformative power of faith and community in an increasingly hectic and fragmented world.
Continued Expansion and Community
Engagement Since Sr. Noel was tapped to lead Maryville at the end of 2023, she has expanded outreach efforts to engage with the wider community, offering opportunities for corporate retreats, family gatherings and youth groups. She assembled a team dedicated to reaching out to these audiences and inviting them to retreat. Retreats range from short weekday or weekend to long events — featuring overnight accommodations and meals, team building exercises and places for socializing outdoors such as walking trails, a fire pit, giant swings, a gazebo or the lake, to name a few. Renovations to the property are also underway. Retreatants now have access to a new floating dock and sand beach. Amenities are being modernized, technology updated and accommodations are being addressed to ensure comfort for all visitors. In the future, look for Angela’s Art Studio to be developed from a former canteen which will allow visitors to explore creativity and self-expression. As it continues to evolve to meet the needs of the time, Maryville is dedicated to being a positive force for change.
