In 1948, The Jesuits bought an estate known as Clarendon Wood which we now know as Manresa – Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Centre in Pickering, Ontario.  Alma Quilty worked as Secretary to Father Fleming, SJ, the first director of Manresa, and over many years served the retreat house in many capacities.  In 1960, Alma Captained the first retreat for women at Manresa.

Marian Beck, a retired Captain of retreats for women at Manresa, knew Alma and penned this poem in Alma’s memory.

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To Clarendon Wood

(Manresa's old name)

In years gone by

Nobility came.

Lords Somers and Hyde

Earls of Clarendon too

Enjoyed gardens and streams

And a home with a view.

A fairy-like place

Someone wrote in a book

Log steps to the valley

Ferns, flowers and brook.

A mansion and stable

To each one's delight

Music and dance

And revelry by night!

Time carries on —

With World War One

All returned to England

From whence they had come!

Thirty years follow –

Wars are lost – and some won –

Clarendon passes

From father to son

Then for a new Father

and in the name of the Son

A different nobility –

to Clarendon did come!!

The Jesuit Fathers

Had their hopes for the site

As a place of retreat

Where fears might take flight.

To prepare a retreat

Calls for work of all kind

A capable helper

They needed to find!

An answer to prayer

We know it to be –

For appeared on the scene

John and Alma Quilty!

Is it fact, or just fiction –

Honest, or not true?

Clarendon's dog kennel

Became home for these two!

All who knew – did admire

Works of Alma and John.

Til that day in His plan

John was called to God's home.

At Manresa – (Old Clarendon

Wood – way back then)

Were flourishing retreats,

But only for men!

Secretary Alma

In 1960 and seven

Captained – a first

A retreat – just for women!

She wrote letters and typed,

Used lists and the phone –

Drove her car – and enjoyed

`Clarendon Wood' as her home!

Manresa retreats –

She sold them so well,

And worked for St. Francis

C.W.L. —–!

Lassie and Holly

Her dogs – left no doubt

Of their love and devotion

As she went out and about.

Her friends were many

Tho' her family was few.

But Alma would help

Anyone that she knew!

Priests and retreatants

Now all want to share

And acknowledge with thanks

A life of great care –

So we thank you Alma

And ask that you would

Help us now — from your heavenly

Clarendon Wood!

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Unless otherwise indicated, all photos ae by Brendan McManus, SJ