St. Francis Lodge

In 1999, I wrote my memoir, “Did I ever thank you, Sister?”

Five months later, in May of 1999, my wife Beth and I founded St. Francis Lodge, a free retreat center in northwest Minnesota for women who are discerning to become Catholic Sisters, Sisters who already had taken their Vows, and Priests as our way of giving back to those I owed my life to. Without try understanding the long term impact on both of these events, the two would be interwoven into our lives and would be connected forever with our family now and well into the future for others. It has truly been a most remarkable journey over the past 23 years. The response to the story, and the people we have met and the notes in the journal from those who have stayed with us at St. Francis Lodge have been just wonderful.   
 
Actually, it was exactly 23 years ago this week that I sat down and wrote my memoir, "Did I ever thank you, Sister?" in 6 days. It was very emotional and freeing, to say the least. I then self-published it with little expectation. I can honestly say it was not only healing and freeing for me, but as it turns out, it has also affected my career path and personal life in a most positive and unexpected way. The story took off globally and as a result, I have been so fortunate to have met so many wonderful and kind people along the way who read the book and met me at speaking engagements, who have shared that they were empowered by this story to help them through their challenges and journey in life. How wonderful that has been. I guess we never know how we can impact people. But, I do feel strongly that people are searching for the truth and substance in their careers and personal life. Finally, in 2022, we are moving closer to adapting the story to a film titled, "House of The Lion".

As for St. Francis Lodge, over the past 23 years, it has thrived and we have had young women discerning Religious Life, and Sisters from many Orders from all over the US and abroad come and stay with us, as well as Priests. It has been a wonderful experience to get to know them all and share our retreat with them in a personal and spiritual way. God has blessed us with more than we have given. We do not solicit donations and pay everything out of our pocket. We are a private retreat and are not a 501c3.

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