Profiles of Karen and Mari
Read these beautiful profiles of two of our resident community members – Karen Pulaski and Mari Snyder.
Confirmation Class Visits the Mountain
On a bright, sunny Sunday this summer, the Mountain welcomed a confirmation class from Allegany County on a retreat. The students spent the time with their teacher, the friars, Natalie and our Summer Companions Alexis and Astou. We would like to share with you...
Meet Natalie Pronio, Our New Ministry Coordinator
Tell us a little bit about yourself! I grew up on a farm near Hershey, PA with my three siblings, and all of us have a deep love of nature, exploring, travel and good food. My family owns an Italian grocery store in Hershey called Pronio’s Market which my...
Karen Pulaski’s Journey to Become a Mountain Companion
Driving up the road to Mt Irenaeus on March 16 this year was already a different experience. As I drove up the muddy, slippery road – avoiding potholes at every turn – it was with the knowledge that this time I would be here to stay for a month. This time I would...
Mt. Irenaeus Embraces Electronic Evangelization
Br. Kevin Kriso, ofm, reflects on the expansion of the Mountain’s ministry one year into the drastic social changes necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like every religious and spiritual organization, COVID-19 has radically altered the life and ministry Of...
COVID-19 Day of Prayer May 19
Dear Mountain Family, Our Minister Provincial, Kevin Mullen, ofm, and the rest of our friars’ Franciscan administration has designated Tuesday, May 19, as a day of prayer “for all who are living in the shadow of COVID-19.” We will pray for the caregivers,...Mountain Companion Reflections: Ryan Schlosser
The first morning of my four-week long Mountain Companionship, Br. Kevin showed me how to use the coffee pot in the House of Peace. I’d been to the Mountain numerous times before, but only for short stays, never long enough to warrant being taught how to make coffee....
Opening the Eyes of Your Heart
Pope Francis published the encyclical “LAUDATO SI: On Care for Our Common Home” on May 24, 2015. He opens his encyclical with the words, “Laudato si, mi Signore Praise be to you, my Lord.” In the words of his beautiful Canticle of Creatures, Saint...


