Mt. Irenaeus or “the Mountain” as it is often called, is a Franciscan retreat located about forty minutes east of St. Bonaventure University. The community from the university and the surrounding area enjoy the peace and contemplation that The Mountain's 200+ acres of woodland afford. Four friars live at Mt. Irenaeus where they help run retreats and make a peaceful place rooted in Franciscan spirituality where all are welcome.
Mountain On The Road brings the Mountain's services wherever its presence is requested. The participants of the retreats open up to important parts of their spiritual journeys, while reconnecting within the St. Bonaventure family. Particpants then bring in family and friends who have not had an "on campus or on the Mountain" experience.
The spirit of Mt. Irenaeus comes to various cities through the reflection and engagement of the retreatant’s experience and the Mountain tradition. The program is an outreach from St. Bonaventure and Mt. Irenaeus to Alumni and their family and friends.
Between three to eight members from the student group Students for the Mountain are typically involved with planning and attending the trips. The students with the Ministry Staff one-day retreats for alumni and friends in the communities visited. In the past, the group has traveled to Chicago, Charlotte, Atlanta, Buffalo, Syracuse, and New Jersey.
“We carry the Journey model, learned over time at the Mountain, out to the alums, giving them some facility in their own ability to remember their lives, reflect on their experience and tradition and move ahead with some sense of response or action in light of their family, personal, responsibilities and work related issues”, Michelle Marcellin, Administrative Assistant for Mt. Irenaeus.
The Journey Project is a co-sponsor and funds the student participants who attend The Mountain On The Road.
