Tuesday, August 28, 2012

St. Edmund's Retreat at Enders Island

St. Edmund's Retreat is a Catholic retreat located on Enders Island in Mystic, CT.  Enders Island is situated at the mouth of the Mystic River in Fisher's Island Sound.  From my rental cottage across the water in Stonington, I can see the sea walls of St. Edmund's when they are lit up every morning by the rising sun and watch the lights twinkle all night.

Since I hadn't visited in a few years, during my recent vacation I decided to take the ten minute ride over and stroll the grounds.  As you might imagine the setting is just magnificent and the views are breathtaking.  Even a wayward Catholic like me is drawn to the symbolism and can appreciate the peaceful sanctity.  The gardens are mostly annuals and not extensive but they add to the beauty and tranquility.  







Chapel of Our Lady of the Assumption






































St. Edmund's Retreat is just over an hour drive from Hartford and is worth a peek even if it's just to sit in quiet reflection and enjoy the view.  If you're so inclined, Mass is said daily and on Sunday. 

9 comments:

  1. Wow, someone spends a lot of time caring for those annuals. I really love the island with the celosia... nice hot colors there. A beautiful spot with fantastic views. Thanks for taking us on the tour.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I loved the use of the stone everywhere. I also liked the crescent shaped beds and the circle of water. Oh, the pergola is pretty sweet too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lots of stone is used all around the grounds although the sea walls really take a beating so I suspect they are being reinforced with concrete.

      Delete
  3. Those are enthusiastic plantings. The pictures are so serene of the ocean. I am sure my blood pressure just went down a notch or two.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a beautiful chapel and the gardens are just gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by Lona! Yes, Enders Island is a beautiful place.

      Delete
  5. I love Stonington but it has been years since I visited there. The chapel on the island is a handsome structure, the views fantastic and the gardens aren't bad either. ;)
    After cooking, cleaning and babysitting, I could use a retreat!!!

    ReplyDelete