A Small Sanctuary of Beauty and Reflection

On visiting Holy Hills Hermitage

A few years ago, a friend gave me a pamphlet for Holy Hills Hermitage, a small retreat center about 90 minutes from Louisville. In the midst of my Mom’s declining health, and other hustle and bustle of life, Holy Hills called to me – to pause, to take a step away, to immerse myself in the natural sounds and sights I’d felt a deep yearning for.

In the earliest days of autumn, I drove down for a day. The Hermitage was barely a year old when I visited, but I instantly felt at home and at peace. I spent only a few hours, but they fulfilled and restored me. I walked. I visited the pond and perched for a long spell on a nearby bench. I simply stayed still. I walked through the then-tiny Memorial Tree Garden. I wrote in my journal. I listened.

For a few hours, I felt, and felt surrounded by, stillness and peace.

I returned for a day in the summer of 2024. Again, glorious nature and happy tranquility.

As Mom’s health deteriorated in late summer 2025, I spent a night at Holy Hills. That time, surrounded by peace, brought courage to my heart so that I could be with Mom, fully – as starkly as any mortal can be with someone as they cross the passage into eternity – in her final days. At the least, I felt better prepared in my heart because of that visit to the Hermitage.

I really can’t speak highly enough about taking even a few hours away, even once a year. We are bombarded – assaulted – by the synthetic din, noise and brightness in our modern lives. Even a brief time away helps restore our hearts to balance.

Late last year, I happily joined the Board of Directors of Holy Hills Hermitage. I look forward to helping it thrive as a retreat center of natural beauty, to encourage inner stillness and revered connection with our inner and outer worlds.

If you live near Louisville, I encourage you to spend a few hours or an overnight or two or more at the Hermitage. (Even if you don’t live near Louisville, it’s a place worth traveling to!) Or find a quiet, perhaps very small, place of refuge near your home.

For more details about the Hermitage, check out the FAQs or reach out to me. To inquire about a retreat for an individual or small group, please reach out to the Hermitage Manager.