New retreat center and chapel dedicated at Mepkin Abbey

The Catholic Miscellany — The monks at Mepkin Abbey broke briefly from their quiet monastic lifestyle to celebrate their new St. Francis Retreat Center and the Father Francis Kline Memorial Chapel. The Aug. 25 dedication included a Mass, musical performance and choirs.

Abbot Stanislaus Gumula said the completion of the 16-room retreat center is the fulfillment of a dream begun in 2004 by several brothers, including the late Abbot Francis, to whom the chapel was dedicated. Abbot Francis’ parents, Joe and Vanetta Kline, drove from New Jersey to participate in the event, along with his two brothers Ron and Mark.