Though we were together on the Prep campus for 4 years, it wasn't until the senior retreat at Gonzaga that we all 'hung around' for a few days in a fairly insulated setting, away from family and studies, and in groups from several classes.
The Senior Retreat at Gonzaga brought us together for an immersion in the teachings of the Catholic faith, and to prepare us to enter the world with a firm foundation of Christian principles. The retreat was many things to many of us, and we have set aside some space to collect the memories and impressions of the retreat, and share them with the gang.
Send your memories of Gonzaga to Vince and we will add your story. If you have any photos, send them in and we will include them with your story.
We heard from Joe Machewirth about... Gonzaga
"Hi Vince.
I saw Bob Bennett’s comment on Gonzaga Retreat House.
About 15-20 years ago, a friend of mine and I hiked North Mountain trail and walked onto the retreat house property. It looked like it was closed for quite a while.
The apartment complex of Kiryas Joel extended close to the original property and there may have been plans to convert the original property to some sort of hospital.
I believe the property was later taken over by the town of Blooming Grove and the buildings have been demolished or are about to be. I had forgotten that some of the St. Peter’s College graduates had a retreat at Gonzaga in 1962.
My friend showed me a photo that included John Ricci, John Ford, Tom Finn, John Fahey and Tony Neusch among others. I guess it was optional and I didn’t attend.
Best regards,
Joe
Ps. Really enjoyed the Belmar reunion.
We heard from Bob Bennett about... Gonzaga
"Vince:
At my session, the retreat master would always start by reciting the poem, 'Isn't it strange'...
There were a few word changes, but he used that poem to focus on our unknown - and possible - futures.
The retreat - and poem - was a big influence on me in the 67 years since.
I had a pensive view of the nearby snow-covered hills and the surreal vision of the snow falling.
It was then I toyed with becoming a priest - but getting back to normal life erased those thoughts quickly.
The code of silence was compromised when a few guys had a 'silent' snowball fight during an outdoor break. That's what most will remember.
Could I book a week-end and relive those days? Is Gonzaga even still open?
Realistically....can you ever go home again?"
