A Place of Solitude and Service

For over two decades, Regina Caeli Hermitage has been a cornerstone of spiritual renewal in Colorado, offering a peaceful sanctuary for reflection, prayer, and discernment. Managed by the Brothers of Saint John, a Catholic religious community, the retreat center is not only a place for individuals seeking spiritual growth but also an integral part of the Brothers’ own journey of contemplative life. Situated in the serene natural beauty of Colorado, Regina Caeli invites all who enter to step into a world of silence, prayer, and a deeper connection to the divine.

The Brothers of Saint John: A Vision of Contemplative Life

The Brothers of Saint John, founded in Switzerland in 1975, have made it their mission to foster a balance between communal life, prayer, study, and apostolic work. The congregation’s spiritual focus is built on the principles of fraternal charity, which emphasize compassion and care for others while cultivating a life of inner peace and prayer. Since the establishment of their first U.S. Priory in the 1980s, the Brothers have created retreat spaces across the country, including in Princeville, Illinois, Laredo, Texas, Orange, New Jersey, and Denver, Colorado.

Regina Caeli Hermitage has become a central place for the Brothers’ spiritual formation. Each year, the novice Brothers dedicate two months to solitary prayer in the desert, a period of deep reflection that allows them to strengthen their commitment to the contemplative life, which is the core of their future apostolic activities. Even outside of this novitiate period, the Brothers continue returning to the Hermitage for their spiritual renewal.

Fr. Roger Mollison’s Founding Vision

The roots of Regina Caeli Hermitage trace back to Fr. Roger Mollison, a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Denver, who began developing the property in the 1980s. Fr. Mollison envisioned creating a retreat space that would provide individuals with an opportunity for deep spiritual renewal through solitude and silence. His vision was not only to build a space for prayer but to offer a sanctuary where people could encounter God in a very personal way.

Fr. Mollison’s initial work began with the construction of small prayer cabins on the property. These cabins were designed as private spaces for visitors to engage in individual contemplation and spiritual reflection. What Fr. Mollison called the Upper Land would eventually become the Regina Caeli Hermitage, and its development laid the foundation for the retreat center that stands today.

The Hermitage Today: A Spiritual Sanctuary

Today, Regina Caeli Hermitage continues to fulfill Fr. Mollison’s original vision, providing a place where individuals and groups can retreat from the busyness of daily life and experience the peacefulness of prayerful solitude. The Hermitage offers various facilities, including individual prayer cabins and a larger retreat space, the Dome House, which accommodates up to twenty guests. The Dome House includes communal spaces like a chapel, dining area, and meditation room, where groups can gather for spiritual reflection while still maintaining their connection to God through silence and prayer.

In addition to offering retreat facilities, the Hermitage also serves as a place of formation for the Brothers of Saint John. During their novitiate period, the Brothers spend two months each year at the Hermitage in solitary prayer, developing their relationship with God and strengthening their commitment to the contemplative aspect of their life. This period of seclusion is an essential part of their spiritual development, allowing them to deepen their appreciation of silence and contemplation.

Spiritual Guidance and Retreat Opportunities

One of the key features of Regina Caeli Hermitage is its emphasis on spiritual guidance. Visitors are encouraged to take part in sacraments, such as Mass and confession, and receive guidance tailored to their individual spiritual needs.

Whether a visitor comes to the Hermitage for a personal retreat or a group experience, the goal is always the same: to deepen one’s connection to God and experience a time of spiritual renewal. The retreat offers an ideal environment for those looking to quiet their minds and allow God’s presence to fill their hearts.

The Ongoing Development of Regina Caeli

As with many retreat centers, Regina Caeli Hermitage is continually evolving to meet the needs of its visitors. The Brothers are committed to maintaining and improving the property, ensuring that it remains a place of peace and spiritual growth for generations to come. Recent projects have included the construction of new cabins and improvements to the surrounding natural environment, all funded through donations from retreatants and visitors.

The Brothers also maintain a strong commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the Hermitage’s natural surroundings are respected and preserved. The serene beauty of the land is integral to the retreat experience, providing the perfect backdrop for prayer and reflection.

A Timeless Place for Reflection and Renewal

Regina Caeli Hermitage remains a vital space for spiritual reflection and contemplative living, offering both individual retreatants and the Brothers of Saint John a peaceful refuge in the heart of Colorado. For over thirty years, it has stood as a testament to the power of silence, solitude, and prayer in nurturing spiritual growth and strengthening one’s connection to God.

As the Brothers continue to develop and enhance the Hermitage’s offerings, it remains a place where people can step away from the distractions of the world and experience the deep peace that comes from a life centered on prayer and spiritual reflection. Regina Caeli Hermitage is not just a retreat center – it is a sacred space where individuals encounter the transformative power of faith and contemplation.