Marylake marks its 50th, sets its sights on the future

November 5, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
Home, physically or spiritually, is a place of comfort, joy and solace.
While our childhood homes may be a thing of the past, there is a place in King that epitomizes quiet comfort.
Marylake Monastery and Our Lady of Grace Shrine offers a cornucopia, a veritable Thanksgiving feast of food for your mind, body and soul.
As they mark their 50th anniversary in 2014, they’re setting their sights on the future, with big plans to reinvigorate the facility and welcome past visitors “home.”
According to Joseph Gennaro, executive director of Marylake, they’re hoping people reconnect with the property. Many people have vivid memories of Marylake, but haven’t been back in a while.
They really want people to “”come to Marylake for the first time …. again,” said Brother Paul Koscielniak, one of the active Augustinians at Marylake. He’s extending a warm welcome for those who’ve lost touch with Marylake and who have vivid memories of those fond summer picnics and processions.
To help mark the anniversary, there will be a gala Nov. 14 at Bellvue Manor in Vaughan, featuring entertainment and a live auction. Tickets are $125 and available by calling 905-833-5368 or visiting www.augustinians.ca.
Following the gala, there will be a rededication mass for the Shrine, Nov. 16 at 11 a.m. which is open to the public. Vicar General Father Joseph Farrell, along with other dignitaries, will be on hand for the mass. A rededication, Brother Paul observed, has no purpose unless there’s a vision for the future. And that’s just what’s in store – the unveiling of an ambitious plan to revamp many aspects of the property.
One is the creation of their new Rosary Path, a giant walking path in the shape of a rosary that will span 15-18 acres. It will become a leisurely walking trail, meandering through the rural landscape. It will be home to three-foot “beads” of the rosary, spread some 40 feet apart. The rosary beads are for sale to generate funds for the project, and each one can be dedicated to a loved one. Gennaro said at the centre will be a beautiful fountain.
The idea is to make Marylake a world-class shrine, welcoming people from around the globe to this beautiful place.
Brother Paul said this Rosary Path will be unrivalled due to its size. During its construction they will replant and adorn the area with new trees, incorporate everything into the natural landscape.
Depending on the donations and volunteer commitment to the project, it could take upwards of two years before it’s completed. Gennaro pointed out there are many ways to pitch in, aside from monetary contributions. The rewards will include friendships and a renewed spirit.
One of the keys to Marylake is the contemplative lifestyle, espoused by the Augustinians. Brother Paul stressed it’s an “oasis” for such pursuits and they hope to expand their Retreat Centre, set aside for those wishing to quite simply, get away from it all, contemplate, pray and sit in on thoughtful discussions. The retreat, Gennaro noted, is full almost every weekend with Catholics and non-Catholics from all walks of life. The use of the facility and grounds, meals and services are all provided.
Gennaro said he hopes to expand and develop new retreats, aimed at elementary and high school students. It can serve to help prepare youngsters for certain sacraments such as Communion and Confirmation, or just expose them to some traditional practices.
Many people “hunger for peace,” Brother Paul said, adding Marylake is so perfect for it. The contemplative lifestyle is inherent to the Augustinian order, which was once called “Order of Hermits” in Tuscany.
This concept can be embraced at Marylake better than anywhere else.
Gennaro said their third vision is to bring the property back to its agricultural roots and offer educational services, livestock and cash crops.
Marylake was once home to one of the largest (per head) producing dairy farms in Ontario. It’s also home to one of the largest standing brick barns in the country, which was abandoned when the dairy operation ceased in the 1980s. The barn has fallen into disrepair, but hopes are it can be restored and more fully utilized for various functions and events.
Gennaro said it’s a massive structure that accommodate large gathers such as youth conferences, family events and concerts.
Also on tap is a complete rejuvenation of the beautiful Shrine tower with its stained glass windows.
Since Gennaro arrived at Marylake three years he’s been getting the game plan in order and now it’s time to be more proactive. And they want the public to be more engaged.
The level of success of these projects at Marylake depends on the amount of donations and volunteerism.
“The hopes and ideas keep energizing us,” Brother Paul said.
The Augustinian order dates back to 1244, following the teachings of St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD), which promote the harmony of community. St. Augustine is one of the most quoted and his teachings are still highly regarded to this day.
Stemming from Saint Augustine’s own life, his writings, and his teachings, Augustinian spirituality can largely be summed up as “the act of journeying together in search of the truth that is God.” This journey, as Augustine’s own life gives example, was not merely a communal and internal journey toward God, but rather a communal and outward journey.
Augustinians are known as great scholars and educators and while once a life of solitude and contemplative prayer, the friars today are active in their communities visiting people and offering services. They have a relationship with adjacent Villanova College, as well as local Catholic congregations.
For more, visit augustinians.ca or call 905-833-5368.