As you drive along U.S. Highway #1 in North Palm Beach and turn in at a large sign marked, “Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center”, you leave an area of marked affluence and enter another world of marked influence that is unique in South Florida.

 The Center is situated on about 26 acres of unusual natural beauty on the northern tip of Lake Worth.  The striking, yet simple beauty of the architecture, the many gardens, the various shrines, the landscaped stations of the cross, the many green lawns and the quarter-mile waterfront immediately catch the eye and begin to pacify the spirit.  The setting is decidedly contemplative and the impact is one of prayerful uplift.

 A Franciscan architect, Brother Cajetan Baumann, designed Our Lady of Florida.  He captured in stone, steel and art the two-fold thrust of the Passionist life (just look at the columns surrounding our buildings in the above photo and you will understand).  As Passionists are called to be dedicated contemplatives and prayerful apostles he wanted to provide a setting where that could easily happen, not only to them but also to anyone who participated in their spiritual exercises.  Practically everyone who has come to Our Lady of Florida in the last 40 years will speak of how this prayerful and peaceful environment has brought tranquility to his or her spirit.

 Paul Damaz assisted Brother Cajetan in his effort.  Paul originally came to the United States to help design the United Nations building in New York City.  Brother Cajetan, who helped restore the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, had won many awards for the creativity and beauty of his designs.  The teamwork of these gifted artists won another international award for Our Lady of Florida.

Last Updated: August 06, 2010      Report Broken Links      Site Map      Retreat Registration Form     2010-11 Brochure