Mary's Glen, Confraternity of Penitents Saint Francis Third Order

Mary's Glen -- A Spiritual Oasis for Prayer

There is no greater priority than this: to enable the people of our time once more to encounter God, the God who speaks to us and shares his love so that we might have life in abundance (cf. Jn 10:10). (Pope Benedict XVI, VERBUM DOMINI, 2). This is the purpose of Mary’s Glen.

Mary’s Glen is a ¾ acre wooded expanse in the heart of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Member, Associates, and Affiliates of the Confraternity of Penitents and their families are welcome to visit the Glen from 9 am to 5 pm daily. Located at the rear of the Confraternity of Penitents headquarters, Mary's Glen has the physical address of 2514 Reynolds Street, Fort Wayne IN USA.

Confraternity members and associates live a Rule of Life in their own homes as lay people. Information on becoming a Confraternity Member or Associate is on this link. There are no dues or fees.

Affiliates of the Confraternity of Penitents pray a brief daily prayer for the Confraternity of Penitents, strive to live simple and humble lives, and are committed to being at peace with all. Information on becoming a CFP Affiliate is on this link. There are not dues or fees.

The Two Hearts Gazebo features small images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. With its cocktail tables and chairs and nearby large picnic table, as well as small Marian shrine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Two Hearts Gazebo welcomes visitors to Mary's Glen.

A statue of the Blessed Mother, painted by brother John.

Saint Francis of Assisi prayer area with pet memorial stones (available for $5 donation each from the CFP Holy Angels Gift Shop on this link. We will write the name of your pet on the stone and place it in this prayer area).

Fence of Saints Made Possible by a grant from

A Fence of 100 Saints surrounds Mary's Glen.

Stories of the saints are on line at PatronSaintStories.com

We thank Our Sunday Visitor Institute for a grant to erect and complete the Fence of Saints, the Fence of Saints Book, and the PatronSaintStories.com website.

To sponsor a slate tile for a saint of your choice, please contact us for a list of saints' names available.

Read. Share with friends. Enjoy the solitude under Mary's Glen rustic gazebo. Vintage ice cream shop table and chairs under a weeping willow tree bring a smile and, to oldsters, happy memories.

One of the Stations of the Cross that line a path in Mary's Glen.

Sacred Heart Grotto near swing glider

Our Lady of Guadalupe Prayer Grotto

Rosary Walk

Holy Family's House. In the time of Christ, poor families used to keep their belongings in a chest and then use the chest as a table for their meals. We invite you to pack a lunch or snack and eat it, sitting around the chest, in the presence of the Holy Family. Please discard trash in the receptacles by the entrance to the Glen.

Fire Pit (to be used with prior permission)

Mary's Glen, middle to rear

Rosary Walk looking across the Glen

Wide view showing Fence of Saints

Left Side of Mary's Glen

Right Side of Mary's Glen

One of Four Picnic Tables in Mary's Glen

Bishop Kevin Rhoades' Words during the Mass Homily for the Blessing of the Dedication of Mary's Glen

I pray that this will be a place where people may encounter and experience the love of the Good Shepherd, that people who walk these grounds and pray here will be refreshed in their souls. This outdoor place of prayer in the middle of a busy city is a place for people to grow in their relationship with the Lord, to be reminded that Christ came that we may have life and have it abundantly. It is a place for not only Catholics and those who are part of the sheepfold, but also for others, those people about whom Jesus says: 'I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold.' He says: 'These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice. . . ' So I pray today also for those who will come here who perhaps do not know the Lord or belong to the Church, that they might hear the loving voice of the Good Shepherd here at Mary's Glen.

"This place is named in honor of the Blessed Mother. Reflecting today on Jesus, her Son, as the Good Shepherd, I invite you to consider one of her many titles: 'Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd.' The Good Shepherd, when He was laying down His life for His sheep, when he was hanging on the cross, gave us His Mother to be our Mother, to look after us with maternal love and care. As she loved and cared for her beloved Son, the Good Shepherd, so she also loves and cares for us, the sheep for whom He laid down His life. She wants us to receive the life He came to give us and to have it abundantly. So we also ask our Blessed Mother, the Mother of the Good Shepherd, to intercede for all who come here to Mary's Glen. May she lead them to her Son, to know and experience in their hearts that He is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for them!

Bishop Rhoades complete homily is on this link.

Photos of the Blessing of Mary's Glen on May 8, 2017 on this link.

Donors to Mary's Glen on this link.

Thanks for visiting Mary's Glen. Please take a flyer or two with you and discard any trash on your way out. God bless you always and come again!

Mary's Glen -- A Spiritual Oasis for Prayer

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There is no greater priority than this: to enable the people of our time once more to encounter God, the God who speaks to us and shares his love so that we might have life in abundance (cf. Jn 10:10). (Pope Benedict XVI, VERBUM DOMINI, 2). This is the purpose of Mary’s Glen.

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Bishop Kevin Rhoades' Words during the Mass Homily for the Blessing of the Dedication of Mary's Glen