Groveland Twp.’On the banks of Renchek Lake two Dominican sisters etched an enduring mark on the pristine wooded shoreline.
In 1973, sisters Mary Martin and Anne Mary Kearney made the trek from New Jersey to Ortonville on a mission, establishing the Our Lady of Mt.Thabor Monastery.
After 30 years and thousands of prayers, the small monastery will begin a new chapter as the new St. Dominic wing will be deadicated on Aug. 10.
‘We made a decison not to ask for anything and unless we have the money we don’t purchase it,? said Sister Mary Martin. ‘We’ve earned our way with sewing and alterations’God provides the rest.?
The new wing includes 9-by-12 sleeping ‘cells? complete with sinks to wash up each day, for the seven sisters that occupy the monastery.
New also is the Transfiguration Retreat House available to vistors for the day or week. For a donation, retreatants can stay for reflection and prayer in the chapel.
‘People are naturally kind,? said Sister Anne Kearney. ‘We live a simple life here’our prayers are answered from the oddest places.?
During the years the sisters have received many blessings from the community, says Kearney, ‘neighbors plow our snow in the winter and often drop off a meal.?
In addition to the new wing, Suzanne Young of Oakland Township will be donating five religious sculptures to the sisters. Bishop Earl Boyea, from the Catholic Archdioceses of Detroit will bless the art work and the additions to the monastery at 2 p.m.