LITCHFIELD—Just as lives evolve, so do missions.
For the Daughters of Wisdom, that mission has expanded from a novitiate that first welcomed young women seeking to become nuns to becoming the expansive Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center of today.
The facilities and purpose of the property have changed, but not the underlying motivation. Its mission continues to be to help others seek Divine Wisdom in many capacities.
Wisdom House will celebrate its 75th anniversary Oct. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m.
The public is invited to view special exhibits and to stroll through the retreat and conference center at 229 East Litchfield Road. Official remarks will be offered at 3:45 p.m. in the chapel, followed by light refreshments.
The mission of the Daughters of Wisdom is “seeking and contemplation of Divine Wisdom in a world that hungers for meaning, justice, and compassion,” according to Deborah Kelly, executive director.
“Every year, we welcome thousands of people of all backgrounds and beliefs,” Kelly explained.
During the open house, several sisters from the religious order, two of whom still live on the grounds, will provide insights into the history of Wisdom House.
“We will have as many Daughters of Wisdom here as we can,” said Kelly. “Two still live here. They came as young women, only 18 years old.”
Founded in France in the early 18th century by St. Louis-Marie de Montfort and Blessed Marie Louise Trichet, the Daughters of Wisdom established their presence in Litchfield in 1949. Seven Daughters came from New York and settled the site as a novitiate for young women entering the convent.
“They purchased an old farmhouse 75 years ago and the first graduating class had five young women,” Kelly related. “It went on to evolve and grow. Today, we can sleep 150 people.”
In 1962, with the Second Vatican Council, the direction of the novitiate changed.
The sisters who taught the novices were themselves receiving theological instruction at Notre Dame University.
In addition, Dutch Montfort Father Terstroet came to the Litchfield novitiate and provided scripture classes for the novices and Montfort seminarians who were living in what is now the Lourde’s Shrine.
The community transformed from a cloistered society of nuns to a community engaged in the world. Study and prayer continued to be part of the order’s life, but so was a social ministry.
Over the years fewer women entered the order until, about 30 years ago, the property transitioned into an interfaith facility.
“The Sisters started offering programs in social issues, environmental concerns, the intersection of art and spirituality and theological exploration,” said Kelly.
“The Daughters of Wisdom are still active; they have just moved some of their thinking to these issues,” the executive director said. “Wisdom House has become a place for people of all faiths to seek spirituality and to participate in wellness programs, the arts, education, social justice and ecology.”
“The property is still owned and operated by the Daughters of Wisdom and there are programs for the Catholic faith,” she continued, “but there are also all kinds of other programs, and presenters are brought in for those topics.”
For instance, over the remainder of September and into October, programs are scheduled on topics as varied as healthy food preparation; “Holistic Harmony, a Fusion of Sacred Geometry and Zentangle Method” (Intentional doodling); an “Ecospiritual Vision for Our Times” (awareness of how cosmic origins help us to fulfill our role in a living Earth community); “You are So Sensitive” (how to avoid overstimulation and absorbing stress by setting boundaries); “Spiritual Companions” (a sacred circle that consists of five to eight people who meet to share their spiritual journeys); “Isn’t it Strange to Be the Same Age as Old People?;” “Forest Bathing;” “Tending to Your Grieving Heart;” and more.
Kelly described the grounds as beautiful and imbued with a sense of peace.
“We offer retreats for groups and individuals that are very popular,” she said. “If you need a weekend a away from all the noise, this is such a peaceful property. We offer a time of retreat and a chance to learn and grow in wisdom.”
“A lot of people don’t even know it is here, but as soon as they pull on the property, they feel such peace,” she said. “The Daughters of Wisdom made such an incredible imprint here and around the world, it still permeates today, and you can feel the love and care they have given this place.”
The campus spans 70 acres of meadows, woods and brooks and our indoor and outdoor sanctuary areas encourage meditation, prayer and creative team building.
When Wisdom House first welcomed an interfaith community, an advisory board was established with local business leaders as well as Daughters of Wisdom.
Outreach included memberships in Litchfield Rotary, Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, chaplain service at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington, Litchfield Women’s Network, Community Council of Northwest Connecticut, preaching at Congregational churches, service as an emergency shelter for Litchfield through the Red Cross, and more.
Today, the conference center can be used by academic, civic, nonprofit and business organizations and welcomes thousands of people annually.
Over the years, Wisdom House has initiated several firsts.
Most notably, it was the first retreat to have a permanent art gallery, the first retreat center to have an outdoor labyrinth, the first to install solar panels to offset power consumption and the first to have a conservation easement for 54 acres of its land.
Over the years, it has renovated many of its spaces, providing additional guest accommodations and meeting spaces, and an inclusive worship space in the chapel.
In addition to the labyrinth, it offers a Peace Garden, shrine areas and a Medieval Mary Garden.
Reservations for the open house are encouraged by visiting www.wisdomhouse.org/programs or calling Wisdom House at 860-567-3163.
