OUTDOORS

Station of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross depict the events in the life of Jesus beginning with him being condemned to death and ending with his resurrection. Our Stations of the Cross line one of our trails and can serve as a walking pilgrimage for guests to contemplate the Passion of Christ.

A profound journey of reflection and contemplation as you explore the Stations of the Cross at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. These beautifully crafted depictions offer a powerful visual narrative of the life of Jesus, from his condemnation to his triumphant resurrection. As you walk along the trail, each station provides a unique opportunity to connect with the Passion of Christ, inviting you to immerse yourself in his journey and draw inspiration from his sacrifice.

“A Path of Devotion and Reflection”

Our Stations of the Cross are strategically placed along a serene trail, creating a path that invites you to engage in a meaningful pilgrimage of devotion. Each station represents a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus, encouraging you to pause, meditate, and absorb the significance of his journey.

“An Opportunity for Contemplation”

As you journey from station to station, you'll find moments of stillness and contemplation. The peaceful surroundings of our center provide the ideal backdrop for connecting with the divine, allowing you to explore the depths of your faith and find solace in the teachings of Christ.

“Walking in His Footsteps”

Walking the Stations of the Cross is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one as well. As you follow the path, you are invited to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, sharing in his pain, sacrifice, and ultimate triumph. This experience offers a unique opportunity to deepen your connection with the teachings of Christ and gain a renewed perspective on his enduring message of love and redemption.

“Finding Meaning and Inspiration”

Each station tells a story of love, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. By engaging with the Stations of the Cross, you'll uncover profound layers of meaning that resonate with your own journey. Whether seeking solace, guidance, or a moment of introspection, the Stations of the Cross provide a transformative experience that can touch the hearts of all who visit.

“Embracing the Message of Resurrection”

As you conclude your pilgrimage and reach the final station, you'll be reminded of the ultimate message of hope and renewal - the resurrection of Jesus. The Stations of the Cross serve as a powerful reminder that even in the face of suffering and adversity, there is always the promise of new life and a brighter future.

At St. Francis Springs Prayer Center, the Stations of the Cross offer a sacred space for you to engage in a profound journey of reflection, meditation, and spiritual growth. Whether you're seeking to deepen your faith, find solace in the presence of God, or simply explore the teachings of Christ, the Stations of the Cross provide an uplifting and transformative experience that resonates with the heart and soul.

Walking Trails

There are walking paths and gravel trails throughout the grounds and woods of our 140 acre property. There is an abundance of natural beauty throughout our property from a winding stream, to the vast woods to the wide variety of birds and plants. Be sure to bring your walking shoes to be able to explore all that our property has to offer.

Gardens & Grottos

There are gardens and grottos all throughout the property at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center where guests can sit down and rest in the natural beauty. These are great places to read, write, meditate, or relax and enjoy the fresh air.

  1. LaVerna Grotto 

  2. Carceri Grotto 

  3. Tau Cross Garden 

  4. The Portiuncula Gazebo 

  5. Peace Garden 

  6. Francis Garden 

  7. Mary Garden

  8. Memorial Garden

  9. Celestial Waterfall Garden

Francis & Leper Statue

The St. Francis and the Leper statue at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center is a magnificent centerpiece that has captivated the hearts and souls of all who see it. The statue tells the story of St. Francis' compassion and love, a testament to the transformative power of contemplative prayer in caring for the most vulnerable and marginalized in society. Here is a brief history of the statue's creation and significance:

The Start:

For many years we had been longing for a unique centerpiece that would capture our mission. After 14 years this became a reality in the form of a 7-foot striking sculpture of St. Francis and the Leper. The statue depicts St. Francis reaching out to a leper in love and compassion, a powerful symbol of our three core values of hospitality, contemplation and justice.  

The Story:

St. Francis' aversion to leprosy is well-documented in biographies of him. However, through the grace of God, Francis was able to overcome his spiritual paralysis and embrace the leper with tenderness and compassionate love. It is important to note that Francis' embrace of the leper was not an isolated act, as he and his fellow Friars ministered frequently to the colony of lepers just 2 miles outside the city walls below Assisi. It was through this encounter of reaching out to the leper that Francis became transformed, and in our own lives, we can be transformed when we truly hear the Lord speak to us, inviting us to greater sensitivity to the needs of the brokenhearted.

The Statue’s Creation:

The statue's creation started when Carrie Hill Lock, who had done promo artwork for St. Francis Springs Capital Campaign in the early 2000s, was commissioned to create an image of St. Francis and the leper for use by the sculptors. After much prayer and discussion with staff members, she began her important task. Once Carrie's draft was completed, it was sent to the Cave Company in New York, which was responsible for creating a sculpture from the artist's drawing. Third-generation owner Gregory Cave was very helpful throughout the creation process. The statue's stone circular base was built by Rosalie Rivera and his craftsmen from Set in Stone, enhancing the sculpture's view. 

The Significance:

The St. Francis and the Leper statue is a testament to the transformative power of contemplative prayer and reaching out to those in need. The statue's message is clear: Through the grace of God, St. Francis reached out to those who were vulnerable, shunned, marginalized, and not deemed worthy of love. This is a message that inspires us to live with the same compassionate love that St. Francis did.

The Dedication:

Nearly fourteen years after opening our doors in 2005 on March 5, 2019, through the generosity of Cosmas and Shirley Robless and their family, the St. Francis and the Leper statue became a reality. The statue is dedicated to Cosmas and Shirley who themselves have been incredible advocates for the marginalized, underprivileged, and estranged.