St. Ignatius Retreat House hosted some 300 children of all ages at its “Family Togetherness Sunday” on July 13th. The day-long event welcomed both old and new friends to the former mansion of Nicholas and Genevieve Brady known as Inisfada – a Gaelic word meaning Long Island.

The retreat house was especially honored to again welcome “Tuesday’s Children,” a non-profit organization for family and friends of victims of 9/11. Participants of our Singles programs also gathered together to be part of the larger Inisfada family.

Helping visitors discover the stories and secrets of this magnificent estate, were Jesuit tour guides, Fr. Damian Halligan, S.J., and George Witt, S.J.

Retreat House Chef, John Lucchese, and his staff offered up a tasty barbecue of hamburgers, frankfurters, sausages and all the fixings. Besides indulging in watermelon, bottled water, soda, beer and wine, some adults were spotted eating the children’s cotton candy and snow cones! DJ Paul Marrone provided the music, entertainment, and face painting. St. Ignatius’s youth minister, Cristina Varriale, along with the ministerial summer staff of two Jesuits, two women religious and a laywomen, coached children in various field activities, games, and art projects. New this year was both a giant plastic “Crayola Castle” or trampoline and rides through the 32 acres of property in the newly donated golf cart. The spectacular weather made the swimming pool an especially big hit. But for those wanting a more meditative experience there was always the outdoor Labyrinth walk and St. Genevieve’s chapel. For those preferring to do a bit of shopping, the St. Ignatius Bookstore/Giftshop, featuring unique religious items, was most accommodating.

Fr. Joe Costantino, SJ, executive director, brought the day’s festivities to a close with an inspiring outdoor Family Mass.

The fifth annual family day is scheduled for Sunday, July 11, 2004. Mark your calendar!