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 There is almost an Everglades-like feel to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center. Spanish moss hangs from all the trees—some cypress, some palms, lots of oaks. The Center itself is built in the center of a large loop that the Myakka River makes as it nears the Gulf of Mexico, so it is almost entirely surrounded by water. Then, in the center of the complex is a lagoon, called Blessed Sacrament Lake. Yes, lots of water. That means lots of water-based wildlife—herons, gulls, pelicans, turtles, and even an alligator or two (not to worry, though, they are small). The only noise visitors will hear is from all the birds. The center is built on 54 acres of the Center’s 300 acres. Although not billed as such, the Center is as much nature preserve as retreat center.
Around the lagoon, Blessed Sacrament Lake, there is a circular drive and all the Center’s buildings are built along this drive. There are four dormitory buildings, each with a meeting room and a small library along with spacious bedrooms. There is a conference building, a dining room complex, and a chapel, named after Saint Joseph. They are all very pretty, but the chapel, with its original art, is the highlight. Outside of the chapel is a new bell tower with carillon, so besides all the bird sounds, visitors will also hear bells from time to time.
 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Center was begun by the Diocese of Venice, Florida, in the mid-1990s. The founder and long-time director, Father Charles Mallen, C.Ss.R., recently retired and Carmelite Father Joseph McCarthy (whom everyone calls “J.J.”) became the director in January. Just like the river surrounding the Center, Father J.J. is ‘quiet and deep’ and is perfect as the new director. Father Charles is a tough act to follow, but Father J.J. has already
settled in nicely. The administrator of the Center is a Holy Names of Jesus and Mary sister, Sister Carmela DeCosty, SNJM. The two have hit it off from the ‘get-go.’
For more information, take an on-line tour or arrange your own visit, see their website at http://www.olph-retreat.org/
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