Reflection and relationships define Mt. Irenaeus' atmosphere
Mountain community seeks to offer students a peaceful alternative to the day-to-day bustle on campus
House, Samantha
Issue date: 9/21/07 Section: Features
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The search to acquire a place off campus where students could go to unwind began in the 1970s starting with student-initiated retreats to cabins near the mountain now known as Mt. Irenaeus.
"We were realizing that students needed a place where they could have leadership with experiences for themselves," Father Dan Riley, O.F.M. said, explaining why it was decided to create a place for students to get away. "In 1984, we bought the land. It was just a little farmhouse at the time."
Mt. Irenaeus has evolved into much more than a farmhouse over the past 23 years, with financial, innovative and physical help of alumni and friends. With a large main house, seven secluded cabins, a chapel, over ten miles of trails and a pond, Mt. Irenaeus is a picturesque location to take a small vacation. However, to many people, Mt. Irenaeus is much more than a scenic gem.
A group of students dedicate themselves to planning overnight and evening trips to the mountain through a student-run group known as Students for the Mountain (SFM).
Sophomores Liz D'Onofrio, theology major, and Allison Gould, a bio-chem major, both members of SFM, enjoy Mt. Irenaeus because of its relaxing environment.
"It's an alternative place to go and relax, regardless of your religion," D'Onofrio said. "It's a good place to get away and refocus your energy."
Gould agreed.
"Mt. Irenaeus is a home away from home," she said.
D'Onofrio and Gould explained that SFM organizes frequent evening and overnight visits to the Mt. Irenaeus, usually giving the retreats a spiritual theme that adds to the experience and helps structure the time there. Regardless of the theme, students are welcome to relax, meet each other and enjoy the landscape and food.
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