In this issue:

New life for forgotten art
Conversations in Faith Podcast
Pilgrimage Campaign
Latest issue of Down to Humus newsletter
Upcoming retreats at OLPR

Stained Glass Windows Find a New Home at The Prairie

What was once tucked away in storage at the Humility of Mary Center now shines in the open air at Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat. Six unique stained-glass panels—each a work of art created with prayerful intention—have been carefully framed in wood and placed across the grounds, offering visitors a chance to pause, reflect and encounter beauty in unexpected places.

The windows are the work of two remarkable women: Donna Marihart and Ann Opgenorth, artists from Ivy Ridge Studios in Bellevue, Iowa, and Marycrest College faculty members. Marihart, who joined Marycrest in 1956, was a tenured professor known for her creativity and for leading workshops with the Iowa Arts Council. Opgenorth, a gifted artist and assistant professor, lent her own vision and craftsmanship to the project. Together, they created windows that speak through color, light, and symbolism.

Bringing these windows into their new life at The Prairie was no small task, with each panel requiring hours of work. Accomplishing it was truly a group project. Maria Casad, OLPR guest services staff, reinforced the panels where they had been compromised. OLPR Property and Operations Manager Todd Seifert designed the frames, which were then built by maintenance team members Kurt Kreiter and Matt Rissler. Finally, the three worked side by side to install them across the grounds.

Each piece draws inspiration from the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary and has been placed with care in scenic locations around the retreat:

· Moon – Chastity. Moon at feet, Immaculate Conception – Mary without sin

Location: Far west berm below the Labyrinth. Visible from Prairie Heights and the Labyrinth area.

· Rose, Lily – Mystical Rose of Sharon, Lily – Sinlessness

Location: Sitting garden outside the Hermitage. Visible from the Hermitage, the northwest grounds, and the kitchen and breakfast nook of Prairie Heights.

· Crown – Queen of Heaven and Earth

Location: Roundabout berm in front of Prairie Heights. Visible to those driving up the lane or walking the perimeter.

· Star – Morning Star

Location: Gazebo berm. Visible from the gazebo sitting area, by those out walking, and from the porch of the Victorian House.

· Tree – Jesse Tree, Tower of David – From the Family of David

Location: Far west berm below the Labyrinth. Visible from Prairie Heights and the Labyrinth area.

· Flames – Pentecost, Immaculate Heart of Mary (Mary’s Love for Jesus and for us)

Location: Pond sitting area near the statue of Mary, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom. Visible from the pond area.

Placed in harmony with the land, the stained glass panels now serve as outdoor sanctuaries of color and prayer, transforming sunlight into moments of wonder for pilgrims and retreatants alike.

The timing of the project is no accident. Its completion coincides with the upcoming Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation, part of the global Season of Creation (September 1–October 4). As a participating site in the Tri-State Network, Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat welcomes pilgrims on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout September, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PHOTOS - (Top right) The morning star panel, now glowing on The Prairie grounds, invites peace and reflection; (Above left) The Rose, Lily panel is found in the Hermitage garden; (Above, right) The Moon panel honors Mary's purity and sinlessness, a reminder of her gentle strength and radiant grace.

Pilgrimage to Justice: Walking the Path of Nonviolence

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:00 PM CST

Join Us for a Special Online Event

Catholic peace activist and educator Dr. Ken Butigan will lead this free webinar exploring pilgrimage as a sacred path toward ecological justice and nonviolence. Part of the Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation initiative, the event highlights local efforts across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Held during the Season of Creation, this virtual gathering will reflect on our spiritual call to care for our common home during this Jubilee year of Laudato Si’ and The Canticle of the Creatures.

Suggested donation: $15

Sponsored by the Tri-State Network, a coalition of Catholic sisters and spirituality centers in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

Walk with us, virtually and physically, as we journey together in faith, healing, and hope.

Ken Butigan bio:

Ken Butigan is a long-time change-maker who has organized a series of social movements and campaigns for justice and peace, focusing on resisting war, promoting justice for the unhoused, and advocating for the abolition of nuclear weapons. He has led many pilgrimages to Assisi and Rome in the footsteps of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. He is a senior consultant with Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service, where he co-founded Campaign Nonviolence, working for a nonviolent culture free from war, poverty, racism, and environmental destruction. He recently retired from DePaul University in Chicago, where for 20 years he taught courses on pilgrimage, peace, justice, and nonviolence. He is also a senior advisor to Pax Christi International’s Catholic Nonviolence Initiative and the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence. He lives with his family in the Chicagoland area.

Please enjoy this month's issue of Down to Humus newsletter

As a part of the CHM Laudato Si’ Action Plan, the Congregation of the Humility of Mary has launched a monthly newsletter to educate themselves and others about care of the environment.

The newsletter is a place for readers to share their favorite earth-friendly links, innovative ideas and favorite recipes.

If you have ideas to submit to the publication, please click HERE.

Read the August/September newsletter

Be sure to check out the upcoming retreats at

Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat

2664 14th Avenue - Wheatland, Iowa - 563-374-1092 - theprairieretreat.org

(Click the date for additional information)

For full details and to register find our calendar at www.theprairieretreat.org

To register by email contact: olpretreat@chmiowa.org or call 563-374-1092.
For online retreats, we will send an email with a Zoom link.
Scholarships available.

Wednesday, September 3 | 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Mass on The Prairie

Father Denny Martin

Wednesday, September 3 | 6:30-8:00 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: Pilgrimage to Justice: Walking the Path of Nonviolence

Dr. Ken Butigan

Join us for a spiritually transformative evening exploring Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation - a journey of prayer, reflection, and commitment to nonviolence and ecological care.

Friday, September 5 | 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Step Into the Divine Design for Your Life

Rachael Looney

Learn practical strategies for living your Divine Design…the path to your highest potential! The key is in your vibrational frequency. Join me to learn the steps for creating a high-vibe life!

$25

Saturday, September 13 | 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Widen Your Spaces (Change?? Change?? Who, ME?)

Dr. Jim Marchionda

Take a deeper dive into the promise of the scriptures.

$40

Sunday, September 14 | 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: Nature Companionship Retreat - Out Your Front Door

Dr. Jeanette Banashak

Building relationship, reciprocity and eco-justice.

$40

Wednesday, September 17 | 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Ayurvedic Breathwork: Path to Healing and Spiritual Development

Dr. Anuprao Mulakaluri

Learn an individualized approach to cultivating health and Spiritual experiences through Yogic Breathwork practices called Pranayama (Controlling the Vital Force)

$40

Thursday, September 18 |10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Gardening: Always a Great Experiment!

Deb Monroe and Andrea Witt

Sometimes, things go wrong in your garden - but don't panic - this retreat will renew your confidence to experiment with planting!

$40

Thursday, September 18 | 6:00-7:30 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: Whee! We, Wee All the Way Home: A Guide to Sensual, Prophetic Spirituality

Rev. Matthew Fox, PhD.

This is a universal handbook, reminding us that each one of us is a bearer of ecstasy and, therefore, of God.

$20

September 19 -21 | 4:00 p.m.-11:00 a.m.

Nurture and Restore Your Soul

Jenny Chadima

Deepen your faith and intimacy with Christ. Increase your peace, joy and contentment.

$175

Wednesday, September 24 | 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Yeast Baking 101

Deb Monroe

Gain confidence in this versatile, no-fail recipe!

$25

Friday, September 26 | 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Friday only - Fall 2025 Writing Retreat

Jodie Toohey

A full day dedicated to writing, reading, and/or reflecting with like-minded individuals.

$40

Friday, September 26 – Saturday, September 27

Weekend - Fall 2025 Writing Retreat

Jodie Toohey

Two full days dedicated to writing, reading, and/or reflecting with like-minded individuals.

$100

Saturday, September 27 | 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Saturday only - Fall 2025 Writing Retreat

Jodie Toohey

A full day dedicated to writing, reading, and/or reflecting with like-minded individuals.

$40

Tuesday, September 30 | 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

The Way of Grace: The Look of Love

Deacon Jeff Schuetzle

Does your self-image align with what God sees in you? Imagine and discover who you are in the eyes of God.

$30

Wednesday, October 1 | 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Mass on The Prairie

Father Brian Miclot

Wednesday, October 8 | 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Finding Hope and Unity in the World

Sr. Kathleen Saddler, OSF

Join us if you are longing for hope and unity in your life and want to learn steps to bring that hope and unity to life.

$40

Tuesday, October 14 | 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Conversations: The Art and the Science

Dan Ebener

There is an art and a science to great conversations. Hone your skills to connect with others on a deeper level.

$40

Tuesday, October 14 | 6:00-7:30 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: From Faith to Action: Preventing Gun Violence Through Advocacy

Nuns Against Gun Violence

Explore how faith compels working for gun violence prevention.

$20

Wednesday, October 15 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: Come Forth: How the story of Lazarus can offer you new life.

Rev. James Martin, SJ

“Martin dives deep into the Gospel story to reveal how Jesus's greatest miracle can help each of us experience the new life that God promises. Come Forth is a spiritual masterpiece.” — Richard Rohr, OFM, author of The Universal Christ

$20

Thursday, October 16 | 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Preparing your garden for the Winter Season

Loren Andresen, Bev Christiansen and Willard Larsen

Time spent in the garden this fall will make for a healthier happier garden next spring!

$40

Thursday, October 16 | 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Meditations with Meister Eckhart

Rev. Matthew Fox, PhD.

The 'wayless way' is available to everyone - come find out what Meister Eckhart means by 'the person who has found this way needs no other.'

$20

Wednesday, October 29 | 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.