OUTDOORS
There are walking paths and gravel trails throughout the grounds and woods of our 140-acre property. Natural beauty is abundant throughout. From gardens to rock grottos, a winding stream to the vast woods, there is no shortage of outdoor spaces to explore.
Walkings Trails
An abundance of trails and walking paths extend throughout our entire property. Be sure to bring your walking shoes to explore the beauty of creation.
The Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross depict the events of Jesus’s Passion, with a focus on social justice and peace issues. The stations line one of our trails and can serve as a walking pilgrimage for guests to contemplate the Passion of Christ.
Hush Harbor
A Hush Harbor refers to a secluded gathering place where enslaved African Americans met to worship, socialize and share religious expressions while enduring the horrors of slavery. Because assembling without supervision was illegal under slave codes, these spaces became sacred and secretive places for healing, connection, and liberation. Hush Harbors are considered the foundation of the early Black church, laying the groundwork for independent Black congregations to pave the way for justice and praise. From this groundwork came "hush harbors where slaves could worship in safety, praise houses where their free descendants could gather and shout hallelujah, rest stops for the weary along the Underground Railroad, and bunkers for foot soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement." Today, hush harbors extend us the same invitation towards prayer, healing, connection, and liberation.
The Hush Harbor can be found off the trails closest to Grogan Road. St. Francis Springs Prayer Center is proud to name our newest outdoor prayer space in honor of Black individuals and their legacy of prayer. We are so grateful for the witness of our Black sisters and brothers.
Gardens & Grottos
There are gardens and grottos throughout the property, where guests can sit down and rest in the natural beauty of St. Francis Springs. These are great places to read, write, meditate, relax, and enjoy the fresh air.
Laverna Grotto
Carceri Grotto
Mary's Garden
Celestial Waterfall Garden
Peace Garden
Pergola
Portiuncula Gazebo
Francis Garden
Memorial Garden
Tau Cross Garden
St. Francis & Leper Statue
The St. Francis and the Leper statue is a magnificent centerpiece that has captivated the hearts and souls of those who see it. The statue tells the story of St. Francis's compassion and love, and is a testament to the transformative power of contemplative prayer when caring for the most vulnerable and marginalized in society.
For many years, we had longed for a unique centerpiece that would capture our mission. 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 statue's creation started when Carrie Hill Lock was commissioned to create an image of St. Francis and the leper for use by the sculptors. Once the draft was completed, it was sent to the Cave Company in New York to be built.
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 message inspires us to live with the same compassionate love that St. Francis did.
On March 5, 2019, nearly fourteen years after opening our doors, the statue became a reality through the generosity of Cosmas and Shirley Robless and their family. The statue is dedicated to Cosmas and Shirley, who themselves have been incredible advocates for the marginalized, underprivileged, and estranged.
