Our History
The Story of The Christine Center
The Christine Center began in 1980 with the help of the Wheaton Franciscans in the Spirit of St. Francis, under the direction of Sister Virginia Mary Barta, OSF, as a place for solitude and meditation for people of all spiritual paths. A 251 acre farm consisting of a barn, house and several sheds was purchased. Friends and neighbors came to help clean and begin the work of remodeling and construction.
By 1982 the barn was transformed into a meditation hall, seminar area and library, and the first hermitages were built. A year later the silo became the chapel. In the next few years, fifteen hermitages were built in the forest for spiritual seekers who came to live, work and meditate.
Gradually, a series of seminars was developed to accommodate the many people who sought knowledge and experience in meditation and spirituality.
On July 11, 1990, the center was incorporated with its own Board of Directors. The Center grew and flourished during the 90’s so that in 1999 a decision was made to build a new facility, to renovate the existing hermitages, and the barn was sold for a residence. Bathrooms and kitchenettes were put into six hermitages and construction of the new building began in May, 2000. The new facility was completed and opened in February, 2001. The dedication of the new facility took place in July, 2001.
The Center offerings, staff, and retreatants continue to evolve and expand. With the guidance of many people over the years, the Center is creating a national reputation as a place of deep spirituality.
Presenters come from Minneapolis/St Paul, Chicago, California, Hawaii, Virginia, throughout Wisconsin and other places to offer excellent programs in keeping with The Center's mission. Private retreatants and groups continue to drive from nearby or fly from afar to experience the environment and happenings at the Christine Center.
One emphasis of the new Christine Center is on meditation and mystical spirituality for individual and global transformation. Focus is on the contemplative life with programs that offer wisdom from the world's religious traditions, including our Catholic roots. Program listings reflect a wholistic approach, with something for body, mind and spirit.
Another emphasis is on serving with excellence the groups and individuals who come here for spiritual nourishment.
Our history continues to unfold in wondrous and unforeseen ways as we open to the manifestations of God.