"Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10). paceminterris.org
Widowed at the age of 49, founder Shirley Wanchena accepted God's invitation to "Create an environment where my people can come and be alone with me." Acreage was purchased in 1982, with the first hermitage guests arriving May 1, 1988. In 1989, Pacem in Terris was officially dedicated. The hermitage retreat center received a papal blessing from Pope John Paul II in 1992.
Today, 16 exterior hermitages, in the woods, are available to guests, and another three interior hermitages are available in the lower level of the beautiful retreat center, which opened in 1999.
Shirley passed to eternal life on December 9, 2014, but Pacem's mission and vision continue, welcoming hermits throughout the year.
Pacem in Terris seeks to be a channel of God's peace in the world. We welcome guests of every faith. Pacem in Terris is a Franciscan center of spirituality that welcomes guests who seek to be alone with God. As a community committed to living the gospel of Jesus Christ, we provide a simple, restful environment where you can respond to God's call to "Be still and know that I am God," (Psalm 46:11).
The prayerful solitude of a simple hermitage, nestled in the beauty of a wooded setting, provides an opportunity for God to heal, nourish, and restore His people.
