CAPE MAY POINT – Few people have toured Saint Mary by-the-Sea historic retreat and fewer have had the pleasure of painting or sketching its views of the ocean from its wide porches.
“Lifting the Creative Spirit: Tapping the Artist Within,” was the title of a weekend retreat June 4-6 that included opportunities for learning, prayer and reflection to nourish the spirit. Instructors offered variety of workshops with opportunity for plein air painting.
Victorian habits were worn by some members of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia who have been using the building for one week, summer retreats since 1909. Tours were given of the historic building that was once known as the Shoreham Hotel, built in 1890.
An art show was held on June 6. The events were part of fund raising efforts to make the second and third floors of Saint Mary by-the-Sea more accessible to sisters and visitors on retreat.
The sisters are celebrating 100 years at Saint Mary by-the-Sea. Sister Carol Zinn said celebration would end with a 5K run in October.
For many years the building had no electricity, according to Sister Pauline. She attributed the longevity of the building to the protection of Mary through many seasons of storms.
The rooms are tiny by today’s standards, just large enough for a bed and dresser with bathrooms down the hall.
Wildwood Crest – New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, signed the Freedom to Read Act, which prohibits the state’s schools and public libraries from arbitrarily banning books. Calling it a measure to protect “…
