Mount St. Francis 75th Anniversary

Dear Friends of Mount St. Francis,

The 75th Anniversary is just days away! We are very excited and want to share some news with you about the big event!

Did You Know? Mount St. Francis came to be on March 10, 1949, when the land was acquired. The first Friars to settle at The Mount were Fr. Alphonse Claude-Laboissiere Fr. Timothy Gilker, Fr. Alban Hague, Br. Herman Specke, Br. Cyril Morvan and Br. Stanley Benson. Join us August 10 from 10 am to 4 pm to meet the current Friars who call The Mount home.

Did You Know? In March 1950 Reverend Mother Florianne Provincial of the Sisters of St. Elizabeth came to work at Mount St. Francis. In April 1950 approval was given to the Sisters to set up a convent at Mount St. Francis. In June 1950, three sisters came: Sister Immaculate, Sister Scholastica and Sister Martina. They served the retreat ministry as the cooks and housekeepers. Join us August 10 to see a glimpse into the past with a mini documentary produced by Vek Labs and a digital exhibition telling the story of the past 75 years.

Did You Know? Between March of 1949 and August of 1949 Lodge 1 and the Conference Room were built with the first retreats held in August 1949. The first retreat was for the clergy of the diocese and the second was a men’s retreat. A teenager by the name Louis Geelan attended this retreat with his father. He would later go onto to become a Friar. Join us on August 10 to walk the trails Friar Louis walked and see the majestic Rockies from his viewpoint by taking part in a trail walk or a prayer walk at various times on Saturday or on Sunday, August 11 at 9 am.

Did You Know? The Feast of St. Clare of Assisi is celebrated on August 11. Join us on Sunday, August 11 for Mass at 11 am with Bishop McGrattan and Provincial Friar Pierre Charland. BBQ Lunch prepared by the Cochrane Lions Club and MacKay’s Ice Cream to follow!

Did You Know? On August 10 at 10:25 am under the big tent we will have the Official Welcome and Kick Off for the Festival! We have a line up of local performers including Cochrane Sings – a local community choir with heart and soul, three local piano students showcasing their amazing talent, and Lethbridge singer-song writer dynamic duo Mark and Jordan. Not to mention classical artist Kelan Lynch an up-and-coming talent, Adorare Choir from Calgary and our very own archivist Jia Jia on harp and the powerful voice of Friar Aldin! You won’t want to miss this!

Did You Know? We have secured three of the best Food Trucks around for you to purchase a great lunch as you enjoy the entertainment and activities! Wannawafle, El Nopal Tacos and Miss Poutine will be ready to serve you up some great food! Not to mention Lemonade with CAHS puppies, special Anniversary edition MacKay’s Ice Cream and Popcorn and Cotton Candy for purchase! So much to enjoy!

Did You Know? We will have several vendors on site selling everything from books to icons, to providing information about St. Mary’s University – Calgary’s Catholic University and information on Franciscan Vocations. There will also be Anniversary Merchandise for sale. The day includes activities for all ages and a traditional tipi. Our partners at Bike Cochrane will be onsite with a Bike Valet so bike to The Mount and know your bike will be in good hands!

Did You Know? We want you to join us and be a part of this historic event! We also want to be ready to celebrate with you. To help us do this stop by our website and register! Just a reminder there will be a water station site, so bring a water bottle! We would appreciate if you left your pets at home.

Come Celebrate Sacred Space at The Mount on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11. All are welcome in the name of Christ!

Peace and all good,

The Friars, Staff and Anniversary Committee