Sacred Spaces
Located on 10 acres of wooded grounds that features a spring-fed sparkling pond. Cedar, dogwood, poplar, elm, pine, oak, and maple surround the parameters as a quiet getaway from the busy city. Cranaleith is a hidden gem whose nature spaces provide inspiration and rejuvenation to many.
You are welcome here; come and rest.
Cranaleith to me is a place of serenity. It has a softly spoken atmosphere that says you are welcome here; come and rest. It also has a sensitive spirit. When...
In the quiet beauty you feel like you are connected
What has been coming to bud inside us as we participate in the garden? Hope itself. Hope that people can work together, look out for one another, go beyond the...
It was calming and serene
The Cranaleith facility and grounds was a perfect location for our retreat. It was calming and serene, making it easy to relax and communicate with colleagues. The furniture was comfortable...
The property is absolutely beautiful
The property is absolutely beautiful this time of year. Our indoor accommodations were very comfortable. The labyrinth was a powerful place for hearing God’s voice....
It was glorious
I walked the whole grounds twice, and it was glorious, with the trees and their colors, the wind, the animals, the alcove, the pond, the labyrinth...
An environment of natural beauty
Cranaleith offers an environment of natural beauty that is conducive to healing, dignity, and respect....
Forest Path
The ‘forest path’ – as with all our ‘sacred spaces’ – invites the traveler into the awareness of contemplative mystery. Firstly, one sees the path’s beginning point and naturally asks, ‘where will you take me?’ as the very entrance suggests a type of portal to go through, and further, a mystery to be engaged. And so, the tone is set. Upon entering the forest, we hardly notice a certain transition happening. Our feet say goodbye to the hard impenetrability of the parking lot surface, so familiar, only to discover the soft, receptive, wooded surface underfoot. Where we end and the earth begins is obscure here and vaguely, a part of us realizes a merging of some sort is under way. Indeed, ‘this is different than where I’ve been’ a voice within might give protest. A few strides in and you become enveloped by smells, shadows, sounds and creatures – you are in the woods, and the air is different – just like that! Simultaneously the trail disappears around an ancient ‘old soul’ copper beech (the first of many such guardians of these woods evoking still more mystery) where a different kind of GPS is required to find your way. Upon passing let your fingers slowly run over its bark – it won’t mind, in fact, we’re told this giant prefers to be touched.
Stations of the Cross
Located on the side of the Main House is an outdoor Stations of the Cross. The Stations’ path offers a quiet, reflective opportunity to follow Our Lord’s footsteps through His Passion and death. As you walk the Stations notice each one as a small retreat where you can stop and deeply contemplate and reflect on our Lord’s sacrifice for us.
Lenape Memorial
These large rock boulders were taken from the edge of the property and relocated near the Administration Building as a memorial to the Lenni-Lenape Indians, the original inhabitants of this land. The Lenni-Lenape were good stewards of the land and lived in harmony with the earth. They did not violate the balance of nature’s ecosystem. This memorial serves to acknowledge the suffering and injustice born by Native Americans throughout the generations as the Western world has been keen to dominate and prosper at their expense.
Garden
The organic vegetable garden is tended by volunteers and retreat groups. In addition, workshops and educational programs are offered for those who want to learn about sustainable gardening practices. As an added benefit for those staying at Cranaleith, freshly harvested produce is used in our farm-to-table cuisine.
Pond and Natural Spring
The pond is fed by a natural underground spring, which flows constantly and is a pristine source of water. The pond creates an eco-system of diversity that sustains plants, fish, birds, and other wildlife. The sound of running water and the clear face of the pond serve as a peaceful escape to refresh the soul.
Apiary
Cranaleith tends six hives and annually harvests hundreds of pounds of honey that can be purchased in the Gift Shop located in the Conference Center. We also offer beekeeping workshops that provide actual hands-on experience.
Labyrinth
The Labyrinth is a path outlined in rock and gravel. It is located near the concrete stairway that leads to the Conference Center. The path is circular and full of turns and bends. As you walk the Labyrinth, take slow meditative steps. Unwind and yield to the mysterious place which is held at the center, the source from which each of us came and to which each will return.
