Corpus Christi Cross at Graymoorl
More than one hundred years ago, Fr. Paul Wattson, SA carried a sixteen-foot cedar cross through the wilds of Graymoor to the summit of the Holy Mountain where it still stands today, weathering time and the elements. It is a testament to the dedication of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement to their Founders’s vision of At-One-Ment of humankind with god and with one another.
Today the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement continue their founder’s mission to reach out to the world from atop the Holy Mountain, rebuilding God’s Church in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and rebuilding lives broken by disease, addiction and pain.
But the buildings on the mountain have not weathered change as well as Fr. Paul’s cross. The Friars need your help to strengthen their very foundation – to rebuild the Holy Mountain – so generations to come can experience the spirit of their ministry.
Recently Completed Projects:
Refurbishing of the St. Anthony Shrine at Graymoor
The St. Anthony Shrine is the largest shrine at Graymoor. The Shrine includes a large marble statue of St. Anthony holding the child Jesus. For many years it has served not only the spiritual needs of the friars but also the thousands of visitors who travel to Graymoor each year.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Shrine has underwent major renovations, which began in the fall of 2009. Renovations included repairing the altar and the base of the shrine, adding new railings and fencing, providing a special area for votive lights, and a new sound system and backdrop lighting. Learn more about St. Anthony Shrine at Graymoor >>
New Visitor Center at Graymoor
On April 14, over ninety benefactors,friends, and
Friars joined Fr. Timothy MacDonald, SA, Vicar
General, and Fr. Ken Cienik, SA, director of the Graymoor SpiritualLife Center at the dedication
of Graymoor’s new Welcome Center.
Before therenovation, visitors entered the Center
through the loading dock or by walking up a three-story flight of stairs. With the conversion of a garage bay and a portion of
the existing service entrance, visitors now
arrive at a welcoming entry where they are offered information about the sites on the Holy Mountain and
can view a presentation of the Friars’ various activities and ministries on wide-screen televisions.
Future Planned Projects:
A new Friary for retired friars.
Preservation and Refurbishment of St. Francis Chapel.
The future depends on your generosity
The friars invite you to join them as they “Rebuild the Holy Mountain.”
For more information, contact Kari Willis, Executive Director, Office of Community Development & PR at (845) 424-2121, email: KWillis@AtonementFriars.org
