For the past century, the Marydell Faith and Life Center has been a welcoming and comforting “country escape” for those seeking to deepen their connection to nature, their fellow community members, and their inner selves. Overlooking the Hudson River and just north of the bustling village of Nyack, the verdant 10-acre campus belongs to the Sisters of Our Lady of Christian Doctrine, whose founder, Marion Gurney (Mother Marianne), obtained it as a foreclosed farm in 1924 (thanks to a wealthy benefactor). It was home to a girls’ camp from 1927 to 1988, but the property reopened as Marydell in 1990.
Bordered by state parks, Marydell’s grounds are peacefully private and only accessible to visitors who come to participate in yoga classes, spa days, maple sugaring, and faith-based events, like spiritual retreats and religious study groups. Kids are welcome for lessons in growing vegetables and preparing meals in a field kitchen at The Children’s Garden (originally a prop for The Path on Hulu).
Another way visitors can gain access to the campus and immerse themselves in the beauty and solitude of the surrounds is by renting lawn space or one of nearly 20 buildings suited for business meetings, conferences, and family gatherings. A secluded hermitage serves as a quiet escape for two, and a charming cottage boasts river views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
“When you come on this property, people are struck by the silence,” says Sister Veronica Mendez, an executive member of Marydell’s Board of Directors. “Silence can be so healing.”
Hook Mountain, part of the majestic Palisades cliffs, sits along Marydell’s western flank, with stunning views along trails that climb from the river to its 730-foot summit. Marydell is devoted to keeping its surroundings green, and a conservation easement protects it from development. The order reached an agreement with the Trust for Public Land to preserve some 30 acres that were incorporated into the adjoining Hook Mountain and Nyack Beach state parks, which enabled the creation of the 1.5-mile Hook Mountain Summit Trail. The Sisters also donated eight acres to the Friends of Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain to create the Marydell Nature Preserve, with a trail connecting to the popular Long Path.
Marydell remains steadfast in its mission to share its land with people of all faiths, and uphold its beliefs in social justice and harmony, says Board Chair Jessica Wahlstrom. “What Mother Marianne wanted to do here, and what we continue to do here today, is to provide access for all people to nature, to natural encounters, as well as to retreat and respite,” Wahlstrom says. “We believe as an organization that those things should not be exclusive.”
As the last members of the Sisters of Our Lady of Christian Doctrine are now in their 80s and 90s, the nearby Dominican Sisters of Sparkill have agreed to preserve Marydell once the founding order is no more. The hope is that the grounds will remain a sanctuary for visitors seeking spiritual and emotional well-being.
We provide access for all people to nature, to natural encounters, as well as to retreat and respite.
“This place feels sacred to people regardless of what their belief system or tradition or experiences might have been,” Wahlstrom says. “People come here for fun and also when they’re hurting. They come here for comfort. It seems like this space offers people what they need.”
Marydell Faith and Life Center
640 North Midland Ave, Upper Nyack 845.358.5399
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