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