This special place on the water has been a great source of strength and peace to the people who visit.â€
Cormaria is a Catholic retreat house set on 18 waterfront acres in the historic whaling village of Sag Harbor, New York. The house, originally built for California real estate developer Frank Havens, was completed in 1905 and still contains its original Tiffany Studios windows and hardwood interior decor.
In 1943, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary established Cormaria as a finishing school for young Catholic women. In 1949, it was converted to a Retreat Center.
In 1960 an extension was added, providing 28 additional beds. After Vatican II, the Retreat House programs were broadened to include men as well as women. The Retreat House can now accommodate up to 72 retreatants.
In addition to the Retreat House, Cormaria's many gardens provide havens for prayer and rest. At Cormaria, every season brings a new sense of beauty and calm.
Those who come to Cormaria looking for direction and a closer connection to their spiritual lives present a diverse array of issues and challenges. Some are in recovery from substance abuse and/or situation of domestic abuse and seek direction and a safe haven in which to contemplate their lives; some are in need of the time and space to reflect and regain a sense of hope during a transition or difficult period; some face medical diagnoses and/or recovery from a myriad of conditions such as cancer and auto-immune diseases; while others simply seek spiritual refreshment and quiet contemplation with their God.
Cormaria offers retreat services throughout the year, including directed and theme-based retreats, guided retreats, on-going spiritual direction, Day of Prayer, celebrations, weekend retreats for individuals in recovery, and retreats for professionals.
The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary serve as the Cormaria Staff, expressing the mission of our community in our ministry of hospitality to all who spend time with us.