Pacem In Terris Hermitage Retreat Center

Pacem In Terris Hermitage Retreat Center "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10). Acreage was purchased in 1982, with the first hermitage guests arriving May 1, 1988.

Pacem in Terris Hermitage Retreat Center offers an environment where individuals can be alone with God in the silence and solitude of a comfortable hermitage prayer cabin amidst a wilderness setting. Widowed at the age of 49, founder Shirley Wanchena accepted God's invitation to "Create an environment where my people can come and be alone with me." In 1989, Pacem in Terris was officially dedicated

. The hermitage retreat center received a papal blessing from Pope John Paul II in 1992. Today, 19 exterior hermitages, in the woods, are available to guests, a home that can accommodate five, and another three interior hermitages are available in the lower level of the beautiful retreat center, which opened in 1999. Shirley passed to eternal life on December 9, 2014, but Pacem's mission and vision continue, welcoming hermits throughout the year.

In case you missed Monsignor James Shea's talk "Be Still and Know..." at Pacem in Terris on May 1st, here's the link whe...
05/22/2026

In case you missed Monsignor James Shea's talk "Be Still and Know..." at Pacem in Terris on May 1st, here's the link where you can watch it in full.

What does it truly mean to “Be still and know that I am God”?At the beautiful Pacem in Terris Hermitage Retreat Center, Monsignor James Shea reflects on one ...

Good News! The bees have arrived. Photo by Ian Marin.
05/21/2026

Good News! The bees have arrived. Photo by Ian Marin.

A timeline series of photos that show Pacem's prairie before the prescribed controlled burn, during the burn, after the ...
05/20/2026

A timeline series of photos that show Pacem's prairie before the prescribed controlled burn, during the burn, after the burn, and the new growth.

Each hermitage is distinct and offers its own view upon God's creation. While preparing each hermitage and praying for e...
05/19/2026

Each hermitage is distinct and offers its own view upon God's creation. While preparing each hermitage and praying for each arriving guest this morning, I took a moment to snap a photo of the view out the window. Here are the views from St. John the Beloved, St. Margaret Mary, and St. Mary Magdalen hermitages. May God bless each arriving guest and bless their time alone with the Lord!

Here's another video short with Ian Marin explaining some of Pacem's outdoor needs as part of the "Share Pacem, Share Pe...
05/17/2026

Here's another video short with Ian Marin explaining some of Pacem's outdoor needs as part of the "Share Pacem, Share Peace" Capital Campaign. https://youtu.be/KXMztFJoYL8?si=fnEJ1hjJ5csSznbO

To make a pledge, visit https://www.paceminterris.org/donate/capital-campaign and fill out the online commitment form. Thank you for your prayers and your generosity. God bless you!

Share Pacem, Share Peace is a three-year, $5 million effort to sustain Pacem in Terris Hermitage Retreat Center long-term. This video highlights the campus, ...

The robin hatchlings were born early this morning. There's life all around at Pacem!
05/15/2026

The robin hatchlings were born early this morning. There's life all around at Pacem!

The mother Sandhill Crane in Pacem's marsh has two chicks. (Photo by Dylan Moore)
05/15/2026

The mother Sandhill Crane in Pacem's marsh has two chicks. (Photo by Dylan Moore)

Throwback Thursday: Taken in 2020, this overhead view of Pacem's prairie shows the native Minnesota prairie surrounded b...
05/14/2026

Throwback Thursday: Taken in 2020, this overhead view of Pacem's prairie shows the native Minnesota prairie surrounded by woods on both sides. The woods look different now, after August 2024's storms, and the loss of many trees.

Please join us in praying for the day guest coming into the hermitage of St. Paul today. Holy Spirit, come!
05/13/2026

Please join us in praying for the day guest coming into the hermitage of St. Paul today. Holy Spirit, come!

The sunsets at Pacem over the past week have been incredible, and the apple trees are blooming. Thank you, Lord, for all...
05/10/2026

The sunsets at Pacem over the past week have been incredible, and the apple trees are blooming. Thank you, Lord, for all your glories! (Photos by Ian Marin and Dylan Moore)

Address

26399 Highway 47 NW
Isanti, MN
55040

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+17634446408

Website

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