Province of the United States of America

On October 7, 2012, over two dozen Marist Youths and Adults gathered at the Marist Brothers Center in Esopus, New York to build the new Chapel in the Woods and to dedicate the chapel in memory of the late Brother Raoul Molnar.  This “chapel in the woods” calls to mind our early foundations as Marists:

“Right through the time of construction (of the Hermitage), the Brothers rose at four o’clock in the morning.  Father Champagnat himself gave the rising signal and, when necessary, lit the lamps in the garret.  Having risen, the Community gathered amongst the trees, where Marcellin had constructed a small chapel in honor of the Blessed Virgin.  A chest of drawers served as both vestment press and altar; for bell-tower, there was an oak-tree on whose branches the bell was hung.  All prayed there, before an image of the Mother of God.  Such was the fervor that they seemed oblivious of all else, and the only noise was from the rustling leaves, the murmuring of the waters a little way off and the song of the birds”.
From the Life of Champagnat by Brother Jean Baptist