Connecticut retreat center to be used for pro-life apostolate

Published: 2004-10-26

STAMFORD, Conn. (CNS) -- The Sisters of Life in the New York Archdiocese, the Knights of Columbus and the Diocese of Bridgeport have teamed up to open the first retreat center committed to all aspects of the pro-life apostolate. Representatives of the sisters, the Knights and the diocese dedicated the new Villa Maria Guadalupe Life Center in Stamford Oct. 20. The partnership is breathing new life into a 40-room mansion that was a retreat house which had closed in 2002. The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters ran it for more than 50 years as Villa Maria Retreat Center until they were no longer able to maintain it. "In days to come, Villa Maria Guadalupe will be a place of refuge and solace and consolation, and a place for spiritual understanding, growth and strength," said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson during the dedication ceremonies. He heads the Knights of Columbus, a 1.6 million-member international fraternal organization based in New Haven. He said he envisions Villa Maria Guadalupe as a place where the culture of life will be lived.

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