Home of Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Located north of Pittsburgh, PA, the Ark and the Dove is the site where the Catholic Charismatic Renewal had its first visible manifestation in 1967.
In 1967, 26 students and professors from Duquesne University entered a humble retreat house in Gibsonia, PA, called the Ark and the Dove. On that weekend, much to their amazement, they had a profound experience of God’s love that changed the world.
The retreatants had been praying the ancient prayer to the Holy Spirit, Veni Creator Spiritus, prior to each session creating an atmosphere of openness to the Holy Spirit to work during the retreat. About half of the students began to feel drawn into the chapel to pray on Saturday night.
Of the 26 participants on the weekend, about 12 of them experienced what Pope Francis refers to as this “current of grace”. Many who have been touched by this current refer to it as a baptism, or an immersion, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Since it’s birth, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal has spread to every nation in the world and has renewed the faith of 125 million to 250 million Catholics so far.
To learn more and see testimonies of some of these individuals, visit: https://www.thearkandthedoveworldwide.org/en/
“The Cross of the Renewal” stands in the drive entering The Ark and the Dove. this beautiful full size cross brings to life the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. See more personal sized crosses by Patrick through the Catalog page on my blog site (www.theroadoffaith.net).
The Ark and the Dove are operated by the Sisters of The Disciples of Our Lord Jesus Christ (DLJC).
When you enter the Ark and the Dove Retreat Center, the sisters always greet you with a joyful ‘Welcome Home.’ Walking through the doors of the Ark is truly like coming home.
Our first visit was for a silent retreat weekend February 2020. I had never done a silent retreat, though a natural introvert, many would find it hard to believe I could be silent so long.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit that weekend was tremendous. I’ve been journaling for several years but that weekend I added quite a few pages to my journal. The Lord really spoke to me. search back to my March 8-11 posts and you can read my “Forge” series which was inspired that weekend.
The sensation and presence of the Spirit was palpable sitting in the same small chapel in which the Duquesne students experienced the Holy Spirit over 50 years ago.
I had opportunity to speak with Sister Bernadette, I very gifted prophetess and visionary. The things we spoke of and prayed about were really incredible. She confirmed several ‘visions’ i had recently experienced.
The Ark and the Dove is a Pilgrimage site, Retreat Center, Resource Center and hosts Praise and Worship events. Visit their site to support them and learn more about upcoming events.