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A Great Place to Get away from it all

A Haven for Prayer

One of the hopes of the Diocese of Victoria since its beginning on May 29, 1982, was to have a Spiritual Renewal Center whose principal purpose would be to offer the people of the diocese a haven for prayer, reflection, and spiritual nourishment, plus a unique meeting place for organizational learning and training conferences.

With Wildlife all Around 

Back off the river's banks is a pecan grove, scoured during the night for pecans by wild hogs that roam through the area. Birds and squirrels claim their habitat; fish plow the waters nearby, and together with the rest of nature offer themselves for contemplation and thanksgiving to the Creator that placed them all there. This scenic setting offers endless photographic possibilities.


For more information contact:
Ron Friedel, Administrator
718 Gussie Schmidt Road
Victoria, Texas 77905
Center (361) 572-0836
Cell (361) 894-1699
 e-mail: renewalcenter@wildblue.net

2008 Tentative Calendar Schedule

2009 Calendar
 

See More Photos
of the Renewal Center


See A Layout Diagram of The Center
 

See A Map
To The Renewal Center

Driving Directions


In Communion with Nature 

Groundbreaking for the realization of this hope took place in April of 1987. Located on the San Antonio River about 20 miles southwest of Victoria, every building of the center is constructed out of cedar logs, rustic in appearance, and set in surroundings where only 
the sounds of nature intervene and contribute to the silence of prayer and contemplation. 

Building structures and surrounding landscape are unwitting reminders of pioneering days and prompt images of a rugged, slower paced mode of living. Near the cluster of log cabins stands a huge oak tree, estimated to be over 2000 years old, under which pioneers rested and shaded themselves from a burning sun.

 

Living in Rustic Log Cabins 


Among the clusters of cabins are four that will accommodate 20 married couples, and two cabins to accommodate 48 persons. The chapel will hold some 90 persons. There is a dining hall that can be converted into a conference room. There are also small conference rooms available.