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History of St. Anthony Spirituality Center
Trees cleared from the original site. Towers of St. Mary's Church,
Marathon in the background.
Selection of the Marathon Site:
In 1917, after considering a number of possible locations, the Capuchins
chose 45 acres in Marathon, WI as the site of their new house of studies.
The new house would have as its patron, St. Anthony of Padua, the founder
of the first Franciscan school. Strong community roots supported and
nourished St. Anthony's from the start. After the Capuchins purchased
the property, the people of Marathon volunteered to clear the land, excavate
the foundations and basement, as well as supply stones, sand, and gravel
for the project.
Construction and Development of Building and Grounds:
Construction began in May of 1918, with the cornerstone being laid on
July 7th of that year. Plans called for a rectangular building with a center
courtyard surrounding the chapel. The south, east, and west wings were
constructed first. The original building was dedicated August 15, 1919
complete with Mass and a procession through the town. The north wing
was finished in 1923, completing the rectangle. The friars and students
developed the grounds over the years. Numerous landscaping projects
were undertaken to beautify the property. A grotto, cloister wall, and
outdoor stations of the cross were also constructed.
While the friary was being constructed the Capuchins
lived in this small house which still stands today.
St. Anthony's as a House of Studies:
Until 1970, St. Anthony Friary served as a house of studies for the
Capuchins. Initially instruction in philosophy and theology were provided.
Eventually, St. Anthony's became a house of theology, concentrating
solely on preparatory studies for ordination to the priesthood. A large
number of friars in training during the 50's and 60's prompted the addition
of a new wing in 1963. However, a downturn in the number of friars in
training in the late 60's and a desire to give a wider exposure to the friars
preparing for priesthood led to a decision to close St. Anthony's as a house
of studies in 1970.
Pictures of early construction
Note the label on the wagon: "Furniture & Undertakers"
Blessing of the cornerstone brought all of Marathon,
some walking, some driving. Picture of the early community.
The friary awaiting windows and the open fields where woods would
grow up around it.
The original chapel in 1919
The early classrooms and one of the founding friars.
Archbishop Messmer from Milwaukee helps saw wood for the building.
He also blessed the cornerstone in 1918.
The first kitchen is pretty much the same today, although modern
stainless steel sinks and counters replaced the wood.
Transition to Retreat Center:
After closing St. Anthony's as a house of studies and considering alternative uses for the facility, the Capuchins decided to use the building and grounds as a retreat center. A number of projects were undertaken by friars and
volunteers to ready the facility for retreatants and retreat ministry. In 1971,
the doors of "the old monastery" (as it had come to be known in the
community) opened as a full-time retreat center. That first year, 623 retreatants
attended the facility's programs. Since then, thousands of men, women,
and youth have made use of St. Anthony's for retreats and other programs.
Ministry at St. Anthony's Today:
Today, St. Anthony's conducts a variety of weekend, evening, and day programs to meet the diverse needs of the men, women, and youth who visit the Center. Private or personally tailored programs are also offered. The ministry and operation of the Center are accomplished as a collaborative effort of Capuchins and lay staff. The heritage of generous support of the community surrounding St. Anthony's continues today with an extended community of volunteers who provide countless hours of gracious service to the Center and its retreatants.